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COVID-19

Covid-19 requirements for patients having a consultation or a surgical procedure with Mr Paul Parker at the Woodlands Hospital (Darlington)

COVID-19 Information - Woodlands Hospital

Patient Safety

Circle Health Group and clinicians take all necessary precautions to ensure continued patient safety. For more information on Covid safety measures at Circle Health Group Hospitals please click here.

Testing Positive for Covid-19

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or test positive for Covid-19, we ask for you to please inform us before attending for a face to face outpatient consultation or an appointment for your surgical procedure with Mr Parker. Please make the Woodlands Hospital, or Sarah Watson (Practice Manager) aware ASAP of any symptoms and/or a positive test result. You can have an alternative video or telephone consultation with Mr Parker if you wish to do so, or your face to face appointment can be rearranged.  

Please ensure to check the Woodlands Hospital's policy below regarding the timing of your procedure following a positive Covid-19 test. 

Covid-19 Vaccinations and Surgical Procedures

Having your Covid-19 vaccination is a priority. Please make Mr Parker or Sarah Watson (Practice Manager) aware if you require a surgical procedure and you have/are due to have your Covid-19 vaccination.  Your procedure will need to be arranged around your vaccination dates according to the Woodlands Hospital's policy.

As at 19th November 2021 the Woodlands Hospital policy is that you have to wait 7 days between having your Covid-19 vaccination and having any surgery.

Testing for Covid-19 Prior to Surgical Procedures

The Woodlands Hospital's pre-assessment department will get in touch with you prior to your procedure to discuss the below Covid-19 requirements (as at 19th April 2022). 

  • All patients having a general anaesthetic will be tested for Covid-19.

  • Patients with a vulnerability or having a high-risk surgical procedure will require a PCR Covid-19 test 3 days prior to the procedure, and will then be required to self-isolate until the day of the procedure (day 4).

  • Patients who do not meet the vulnerability criteria and not having a high-risk procedure, will be required to have 2 negative lateral flow tests, one 48 hours prior to the date of the of procedure, and one on the day of the procedure before leaving home.

  • Patients having procedures under local anaesthetic do not need to have a lateral flow test or isolate.

Covid tests:​

  • Private patients will be provided with lateral flow kits or booked in for a PCR test.

  • NHS patients will be required to order lateral flow kits and will be provided with information on how to do this/timescales to ensure you receive your kit in time. 

If you have any queries or concerns relating to Covid-19 vaccinations and isolation requirements relating to your surgical procedure with Mr Parker, please call Woodlands Hospital Inpatient Bookings on 01325 341740

Rearranging Surgical Procedures due to Testing Positive for Covid-19

  • Patients are required to wait 7 weeks from the date of the positive test. 

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