Strict rules brought in to limit visitors

EALING HOSPITAL AIMS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND STOP SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

EALING Hospital is restricting visitors to its wards to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The Uxbridge Road site in Southall has updated its advice telling family or friends of patients to stay away if they have flu or cold-like symptoms.

In a message on its website, the warning reads: “Please do not visit your friend or relative in hospital if you have flu or cold-like symptoms.

“If you’re visiting someone who may have, or is suspected to have coronavirus, our staff will consider the risks involved with your visit on a case-by-case basis, and you may be asked to wear some special equipment that will help protect you against the virus.

“You will be asked to return home after your visit and not to go to other areas in the hospital.”

The A&E hospital has also set up a pod to isolate potential coronavirus patients.

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the Ealing hub, is treating patients suffering from the respiratory disease at its Northwick Park hospital in Harrow.

The statement added: “While this is a new coronavirus, our doctors have extensive experience of treating infectious diseases.

“We also have appropriate facilities designed to provide the best care for patients who have the virus whilst keeping everyone else being treated at Northwick Park Hospital safe.”

People are advised to stay at home if they have a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service for advice. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.