Surgery

I’m surprised about this. I had a procedure as an outpatient some weeks ago and had to have a PCR test 3 days before and isolate after the test.

Yes, I would have thought you should have a test. My sister has been having treatment as an out-patient and was tested twice a week.

After reading about reviews into infection figures at my local hospital I'd be loathed to step inside for any procedure. Unless I was given adequate and appropriate protection, I'd prefer to die with my boots on !

I'd have to opt for the one which is miles away should the need arise.
It's more than scary. In fact it's quite disgusting when once upon a time it used to be a sterile place of treatment has now become a building to avoid like the plague if you wish to exit alive.

It goes on to say that almost a third of Covid patients in the hospital are believed to have caught it on the wards. How disgraceful is this ?
I was unfortunately testament to that when I was admitted for just 6 hours treatment in December 2019 !

Thanks all, I must admit that I'm beginning to feel that I should cancel the procedure.
It's made me very uneasy.

I wouldn't cancel, I would ring and ask to speak to the nurse you saw - or the specialist nurse attached to the unit you are going to - or the infection control nurse for the main hospital.

Say that you are concerned and want to check the procedure, then ask for an explanation.
Then you will have enough information to make your decision.

I felt very safe when I went into hospital for my procedure, the area was only being used for outpatients, and I also had a CAT scan on another occasion and it felt extremely safe.

The scan room I used was not used by in patients and was cleaned and left empty for 30 minutes with good air flow in the room. I was with no other people whilst waiting. Safer than shopping IMO.

Have you had your first vaccination more than three weeks ago Dee1012? If you have, and bearing in mind that all the staff carrying out the procedure will be in full PPE you should be safe?

They will ask you when you arrive if you have any Covid symptoms. (Although presumably if you did, then you would not have attended).

Day surgery patients are spaced well apart (2m) and everyone will be wearing a mask the entire time.

When I have attended during the last year I have always felt very safe, and confident about the procedures taken. If it is something that needs doing I would go ahead.

Forgive me if I'm misunderstanding, but are you concerned that the lack of a test might mean that you have Covid and could infect the hospital staff etc?

Or are you worried that because they aren't routinely testing patients that you might contract Covid whilst there?

My feeling is that if a test were important or necessary in any way they would be doing one. Equally in a surgical setting with full PPE and sterile conditions you will be as protected as it's possible to be, but if you're worried it might help to contact the nurse again and go through things.

I hope all goes well with your procedure, best wishes.

DD had her Covid test on Saturday, but she has had to self isolate for 14 days prior to her surgery which is tomorrow.
On her return home she has to isolate herself for 7 days, presumably in case she comes home with Covid from Hospital.
Have you been mixing with people who might have Covid?
You have time to self isolate for 14 days so that you aren’t in any danger of catching it.

Dee1012 why don't you order a home kit on line. When it asks for symptoms tick one of the boxes otherwise they won't sent a test. It's easy and kit usually comes next day. At least you will know you are Covid free. You can always repeat the test the same way after your procedure to be on the safe side. But don't cancel as you don't know how long you would have to wait for another appointment. As you will go to the end of the list.

Thank you all for your responses.

I have no symptoms at all and have had my first jab..2 weeks ago now.

If I'm being honest, my worries relate to others. I know that I've done everything possible to keep my family safe (and of course myself).
My fear is, if they aren't routinely testing patients that I could potentially catch Covid there and/or bring it home - I care for a family member with a severe mental health condition and my son has a physical disability.
I'm going to talk things through with the hospital again and then make a decision.