COVID-19 update
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Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) there are currently
visitor restrictions in place.
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Updated information about Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
outpatient appointments
We understand that you may be concerned about the ongoing
coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Here at the Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children, we wanted to update you with regards to our
approach to outpatient care, which is changing due to the outbreak
of coronavirus nationally. We want to make sure we take the best
care possible of our patients and our staff throughout this
challenging situation.
As such, we are taking the following steps:
- We will be in touch directly with you if there is any change to
your planned appointment.
- Many outpatient appointments are being changed from face to
face to telephone or video conferencing, to keep your child and
others as safe as possible;
Please note that telephone calls may
appear on your phone as from 'unknown' number; please answer as
this could be a member of staff from the hospital trying to reach
you.
- Where there is an urgent need for a face to face appointment,
some appointments will continue to run on site;
Do not attend
a clinic appointment on site if your child or anyone in your
household is experiencing the following symptoms: new
persistent cough, high temperature or loss/change in your normal
sense of smell or taste.
Please note only
one adult is allowed to accompany a child to his/her
appointments: please do not bring siblings or other family members
to clinic.
- We will support you to set up any necessary technology on your
home devices for video conference appointments, or offer an
alternative if needed. More information and guidance on video
conference appointments can be found here: /patients-and-visitors/nhs-video-consultations/
- We will ensure that if your appointment is cancelled or
postponed, we will retain your details and ensure you are followed
up as soon as possible given current circumstances.
- Our outpatients coordinators will be in touch with you as soon
as they can, but we ask for your patience and understanding at this
very challenging time.
Face coverings from 15 June 2020
We understand that wearing a face covering may not be
possible for all children, but if your child is able to tolerate a
facial covering then this would be advised. If you are the
parent or carer accompanying the child, you must wear a face
covering at all times. Exceptions can be made for those
with respiratory conditions, sensory needs and people who may find
it difficult to manage them correctly.
This is in line with national guidance and was introduced to all
UHBW hospitals on 15 June 2020. Find out more here.
For any queries, please contact the LIAISE family information
and support team on: 0117 34 28065 or email
bchinfo@uhbristol.nhs.uk (calls and emails are
monitored Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm. You can leave a message
outside of these times and the LIAISE team will get back to you as
soon as they can).
You must not visit in any circumstances if you
have a new persistent cough, high temperature or loss/change
in your normal sense of smell or taste.
Helpful resources for families
We have put together some resources that
you may find helpful during the current situation with coronavirus
(COVID-19). Links and resources are available for parents/carers,
children and young people; this also includes easy-read information and Makaton guides.

You can find all of these links and resources on our 'Helpful COVID-19
resources for families' webpage.
Please view the full guidance on coronoavirus
(COVID-19), including visiting restrictions for wards and the
emergency department, on our webpages here.
For Government information and guidance on coronavirus,
please visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus