Safe to HMC: what should you know?

Measures to ensure safety at HMC

HMC is a safe place for all our patients, visitors and employees. We have implemented numerous measures and applied strict rules to ensure the health of our staff, visitors and patients. We truly appreciate the fact that everyone is following the rules properly and that so many people are supporting us during these unusual times. Thank you! Together, we can ensure a safe hospital.

Outpatient and emergency care are continuing
We are continuing to provide patient care wherever possible. We are not just caring for COVID-19 patients. It goes without saying that you can also come to us if you require urgent care, such as trauma care, obstetrics, brain surgery or cancer care. Even for non-urgent matters, you can simply contact us after a referral from your GP. In principle, outpatient appointments will continue as normal (by telephone).

We are postponing non-acute operations
Unfortunately, due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients, we are having to postpone some of our regular care. This will affect elective (non-acute) operations. For each patient, our specialists will carefully consider whether surgery can be postponed. We are very sorry that these patients are now having to wait. Our specialists will continue to see these patients at the outpatient clinic as much as possible, however, in order to monitor their situation.

What do the measures mean for you?

• Urgent care needs
  Our hospital is always available for emergencies. See our Emergency Care page for information on what action to take.
• Non-urgent care needs
  Please call your GP or your HMC physician. We will then determine whether we need to you to come to the hospital or whether an appointment by phone or a video call will suffice. Please note that waiting times will be longer than usual as we are trying to minimise the number of people visiting the hospital.
• Existing or postponed appointments
  In the event any changes are made to your appointment, we will contact you in advance. We will also contact you as soon as we are able to reschedule any postponed appointment. You do not have to take any action yourself. We schedule appointments in accordance with the national guidelines formulated by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit). If you are experiencing any acute symptoms, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What do we expect from you?

• If you are a patient who would like to visit the outpatient clinic or A&E department:If you are a patient who would like to visit the outpatient clinic or A&E department:
  Please come to your appointment on your own, as this will allow us to make space for patients in the waiting rooms and shorten the time required to screen for respiratory ailments and fever at the door. If a companion is really required, only one is permitted.
• Tip! As a patient, you may record your consultations with your doctor on your mobile phone. You can also put your phone on speaker to allow your next of kin to listen in.

• If you are a visitor:
  • Inpatients are permitted no more than a single visitor per day. We will be able to make exceptions in exceptional circumstances in consultation with the department, for example if a patient is terminally ill.
  • Of course, please do not come to HMC if you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, such as a cold, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
  • Coordinate with friends and family who will visit and when. This will avoid any unfortunate situations.
  • Are you visiting a COVID-19 patient? Please always phone the department in advance to allow the visit to take place in a manner that is safe for all parties involved. 
    
    
• Patients, accompanying persons, and other visitors to the HMC are required to wear a face mask covering nose and mouth. This applies to everyone aged 13 and over. Patients who have been admitted to a ward do not have to wear a face mask. You can wear your own face mask. If you do not have a face mask you will be given one at the entrance.
• Follow the hygiene rules:
  
  

What measures have we put in place?

• We use telephone and video calls for appointments as much as possible as this limits the number of people coming to HMC.
• We ask patients and visitors at the entrance whether they have respiratory problems and/or a fever. If you have any of these symptoms, we will consider the best way to offer you the required care. Staff will stay at home in case of any symptoms.
• Patients who are or may be infected with the novel coronavirus are treated on an isolated ward.

Additional questions

• Please consult our frequently asked questions.
• For general questions about coronavirus, please visit the RIVM website.
• Are you a patient at HMC and do you have any questions about your medical situation? If so, feel free to call HMC.

Working together for a safer hospital
for patients, visitors and staff.