Coronavirus: what what you need to know?

Working together for a safer hospital

HMC is a safe place for all our patients, visitors and employees, where we take measures to protect your – and our – health. It is vital that we all abide by the COVID-19 rules and restrictions in force.

Continuing to provide care
We are continuing to provide patient care wherever possible. Naturally, we are available to anyone seeking emergency care, for example, in relation to childbirth, accidents, cancer or brain damage. We are also available for any non-urgent care, following referral by your GP. Appointments at the outpatient clinic will often be telephone appointments. In this case, we will let you know in advance. For diagnostic examinations, such as blood tests, laboratory tests and radiological examinations, you can simply come to the hospital.

Surgery will also continue as much as possible
Surgery will also continue as much as possible. Because we need space and personnel for coronavirus care, we sometimes have to postpone surgical procedures. This applies to non-emergency surgical procedures only. Our specialists assess each patient’s circumstances closely and then decide whether the relevant surgical procedure can be postponed. We are very sorry that these patients will have to wait. Our specialists will, however, continue to see these patients at the outpatient clinic as much as possible in order to monitor their situation.

What this means for you

• Urgent care needs
  Our hospital is always available for emergencies. Please consult the Emergency section on the website to find out what to do.
• Non-urgent care needs
  Please phone your GP or your HMC doctor for any non-urgent care needs. We will then determine whether we need to see you in hospital or whether a video/phone consultation can be scheduled.
• Existing appointments
  It may be the case that your appointment at the outpatient clinic or for surgery may be rescheduled. Occasionally, your outpatient clinic appointment will be changed to a phone consultation. In the event of a change to your appointment, we will always contact you in advance. You will not have to take any action yourself. We will only change your appointment if your HMC doctor has determined a phone consultation or postponement to be medically justifiable. If any have any urgent symptoms, then please contact us immediately.
• Rescheduled appointments
  If we are able to reschedule your appointment, we will likewise contact you and you will not have to take any action yourself. When scheduling appointments, we follow the guidelines of the Dutch Healthcare Authority.

What do we expect from you?

• When you visit the outpatient clinic or A&E:
  Attend your consultation on your own. If you cannot attend unaccompanied, you may be accompanied by no more than one person.
• Tip! As a patient, you are able to record your consultations with your doctor on your mobile phone. In addition, you can also put your phone on speaker to allow your next of kin to listen in.

• When you come to visit:
  • Patients are permitted no more than 1 visitor a day. Exceptions can be made in exceptional circumstances, for example if a patient is terminally ill.
  • Please do not come to HMC if you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, such as a cold, a cough, a sore throat or shortness of breath.
  • Agree with your family and friends who will visit when. This will avoid any unfortunate situations.
  • Visiting a patient suffering from coronavirus? Please always phone the department in advance, to allow the visit to take place safely for all parties involved.
    
    
• Wearing a face mask is mandatory
  This applies to everyone aged 12 and over. Patients who have been admitted to a ward do not have to wear a face mask.
• Follow the hygiene rules:
  
  

The measures we are taking

• We use telephone and video calls for consultations as much as possible. In this way, we are able to reduce the number of people visiting the HMC.
• All patients and visitors are asked whether they are suffering from any respiratory symptoms and/or a fever at the entrance. If you have any of these symptoms, we will assess how best to provide the care you need. Any members of staff exhibiting symptoms are asked to self-isolate at home.
• Patients who are or may be infected with coronavirus are treated on an isolated ward.

Additional questions

• Please consult our frequently asked questions about the measures HMC has put in place.
• For general questions about coronavirus, please visit the RIVM website.
• If you are a patient at HMC and have any questions about your medical situation, then please feel free to contact HMC by phone.
  
  

We greatly appreciate everyone's compliance with the rules. Thank you!

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