Patient information factsheet

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Drive-through screening for coronavirus (COVID-19)We have introduced screening for COVID-19 as part of our pre-assessment procedure. You will be given more information about this as part of your contact with your medical team but this factsheet outlines what the swab test involves and what you can expect to happen. Please speak to your medical team if you have any further questions.

What does the screening process involve? A nurse or other healthcare professional will take a sample from the back of your throat and inside your nostrils using a ‘swab’ (like a long cotton-bud).

Where do I go for my swab?You will come to a designated testing point at either:• Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD• Adanac Park, Adanac Drive, Southampton SO16 0AU Both are drive-through services so there is no need to park. How to get to Southampton General Hospital drive-though testing point

Map

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Patient information factsheet

Directions• Drive to the Coxford Road entrance to the hospital site as shown on the map above. • Follow the route around the multi storey car park on the left. • Keep following the route and you will see a portacabin with orange barriers in front of it

outside the West Wing entrance to the hospital, near the ambulance parking bay. • There will be someone to direct you in a high visibility jacket standing nearby. They will check

your name on the list of booked swab appointments.

How to get to Adanac Park drive-though testing point

Map

Directions• If you are approaching from the direction of Southampton General Hospital: drive past

David Lloyd on your right, through the traffic lights and at the next roundabout take the third exit, marked Adanac Park.

• Continue to the next roundabout, then take the first exit into the ‘Park and Ride’.• If you are coming off Junction 1 of the M271: take the exit towards Adanac Park. • Stay in the left hand lane and at the next roundabout take the second exit towards

Adanac Park.• Continue to the next roundabout, then take the first exit into the ‘Park and Ride’.• When you arrive, there will be someone at the gate to meet you, check your name and direct

you where to go.

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Patient information factsheet

Important information • When you arrive, it is essential that you remain inside your car with the windows closed

and await instructions. • Under no circumstances should anyone arrive on foot or leave their car.

What will happen during the test?When instructed, drive forward to where the nurse taking your swab is standing. They will give you some instructions and talk you through the process. You will need to wind down your car window at this point and the nurse will verify your details and take the swab - some samples will be taken from your nose and throat.

Please avoid eating for an hour or two before your appointment, and bring a bottle of water in case you would like a drink afterwards.

When will I have my swab taken?• We are advising all our patients to carefully self-isolate for 3 days (or as advised by your

clinical team) before their admission date (except where your treatment needs to be done more urgently). This is to reduce the risk of picking up coronavirus (COVID-19) infection before your operation or procedure.

• Your swab will usually be taken 72 hours before your planned admission.

How do I find out my results?• Test results will be communicated to you by your clinical team, usually within 24 hours,

depending on the time of day you are tested. • If your test is negative, your procedure can go ahead provided you remain well. • If you are unwell, your test is positive or you have been in contact with someone who has

possible coronavirus, please discuss with your clinical team so they can make a decision about whether to proceed or postpone your planned procedure.

I may have symptoms, what should I do?If you are feeling unwell please let your admissions co-ordinator/clinician know to discuss what this means for your planned care. Call the number on your appointment letter or contact our main switchboard on 023 8077 7222.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have the symptoms below, you should not cometo the hospital for your planned admission or outpatient appointment unless you have discussed this with your clinician or admissions co-ordinator.

Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) include:• a new cough• fatigue• sudden loss of taste and smell• high temperature

Symptoms may also include:• diarrhoea and vomiting • new onset joint pains.

Useful linksNHS website - Check if you have coronavirus symptoms

www.uhs.nhs.uk

Patient information factsheet

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

HM Government website - Coronavirus: getting testedwww.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Version 3. Published October 2020. Due for review October 2023. 2625

For a translation of this document, or a version in another format such as easy read, large print, Braille or audio, please telephone 023 8120 4688.

For help preparing for your visit, arranging an interpreter or accessing the hospital, please visit www.uhs.nhs.uk/additionalneeds