Would you attend a non-emergency hospital appointment right now?

[EdinaMonsoon]

I'm trying to decide if IABU or not. I have a hospital appt next week and basically I'm concerned about the risk of corona. As a family, we have only left the house to exercise and the DC have both had a couple of socially distanced meet ups with friends. The appointment is for a currently undiagnosed issue which makes life difficult but not entirely impossible. WIBU to reschedule for a later date? Would a later date in fact be any safer?

YABU: just go, you'll be fine
YANBU: No. I would wait longer too.

[johnstownflood]

I went for an emergency eye appointment last week. There was a desk set up just inside the main door to the hospital where I was told to remove my own mask and replace it with one that they provided, sanitise my hands and they took my temperature, all very efficient.

[helpmum2003]

@DPotter interested to hear the differences. Must vary between areas and depts I guess. My experience is with non ITU but some AGPs.

[endofthelinefinally]

Never, ever cancel an appointment. You won't get another. Just attend unless they cancel it, which they may do, depending on their assessment of necessity.

[VicSynix]

I went second week of April, at a point when no-one was going anywhere - the roads were empty and I hadn't been anywhere for 3 weeks. It was somewhat stressful, but it was fine in the end.

[ItsSpittingEverybodyIn]

I'd go now I think, yes.

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

You really need to the appointment.

I have taken shielding and clinically extremely vulnerable patients to hospital appointments, things are still moving in the NHS thankfully.

You will be asked to wear masks and there will be very clear one way and social distancing guidance in place. It will really be very safe.

[DPotter]

@helpmum2003

DP is non ITU, with high risk, immuno-suppressed patients.
I'm surprised more GPs and dentists haven't has it

[keeprocking]

I'm sure that your hospital will have arrangements in place for yur safety, at ours we were checked for temperature each time and now wear masks for later visits. The hospital is clearly segregated into green and yellow areas.

[ginsparkles]

I attended a hospital appointment last week. It was very quiet and a bit strange but it was fine. I wore a mask, had my temperature checked on arrival and had to sanitise my hands before I entered the hospital.

[Borlotti]

I've been to three appointments.
My daughter has heart problems which are monitored and also needed a CT scan for surgery she requires which although is not an emergency, it's very much required.
I'm pregnant and have had one scan appointment.
My first appointment, I was incredibly nervous, but my nerves were settled by the cleanliness of the hospital, the awareness of the staff and also how empty the hospital was.
The appointments have been at two different hospitals and both had the same high standards and in both I felt safe.
Please go. If you leave it, your condition could get worse.
Also, I feel personally that going now would be safer and quicker than leaving it until the hospitals are busy again.

[ChasingRainbows19]

I've worked in a hospital on a ward throughout full time. I haven't caught it yet and only a handful of my colleagues have. Covid is now only a few cases in my trust. This will depend on your area

There are very few visitors if any allowed. Nowhere near the same footfall of random people around. Mostly it's just staff and patients attending appointments. So probably the best time to go to be honest.

Wear a mask and use the gel. All staff should be wearing masks and/or aprons gloves when appropriate to keep you safe.