Temporary safety measures at Hillingdon Hospital

Like all health settings our staff are continuing to work hard to care for patients with Covid-19, while at the same time bringing back services safely wherever possible.

Over the last few days a small number of our staff have unfortunately tested positive for coronavirus, and in line with the latest guidance, other staff they have been in contact with have therefore been asked to isolate until we are sure they are not also infected.

As a result of this, Hillingdon Hospital has closed to emergency ambulances and emergency admissions as of 8pm last night (7 July 2020) as a precautionary measure, in the interests of safe, high quality care, which is our priority.

While these temporary measures are in place we would ask local people not to come to our A&E department, but to use the NHS 111 phone or online service for advice on what to do – or in emergencies, use 999.

We and other health organisations have well established plans for this kind of measure, and anyone requiring emergency treatment will be able to get it at a nearby hospital.

This will not affect any of our current inpatients.

This does not apply to patients having planned treatments or appointments at the hospital or who are newly referred by their GPs for urgent treatment. 

Pregnant women who are more than 22 weeks pregnant will also continue to be taken to the maternity unit at Hillingdon if they need a hospital admission.

Patients can be assured that the highest levels of protection are in place, so if you are asked to come to hospital, please do. 

These temporary measures have been clinically-led, and are supported by partners across the wider North West London health and care system. We aren’t yet able to say when they will be lifted, but it will be as soon as we are confident that we can do so in a way that is safe for patients and staff alike.

Our hospitals are closed to visitors to Wards.

For anyone who needs care urgently there are number of alternative services are in place including:

NHS111

NHS111 is available 24 hours a day, including online at 111.nhs.uk, and can direct you to the most appropriate place to get help if you need it urgently, including directly booking you into some local services.

GP Practices

As well as your usual local GP, the Out of Hours GP service is available during evenings and weekends and can be arranged through the NHS111 service. Please contact NHS 111 at any time using 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Pharmacies

Full pharmacy opening hours are available on the NHS website.