Hospital restricts visits over coronavirus fear
VISITING hours have been restricted at Halton and Warrington hospitals because of coronavirus.
Warrington And Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH) issued a statement on Monday saying that from Tuesday, March 17, visiting on all wards would be reduced to between 4pm and 7pm daily with only two visitors allowed per day.
Children under 16 years have also now been barred from visiting.
The following exceptions are in place:
Patients nearing the end of their life can have visitors with arrangements to be made by the nurse in charge.
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) where visiting is between 2-5pm and 5-7pm daily, with visits outside this time on a case by case basis in discussion with ICU staff.
Maternity, children’s and neonatal wards are having their own arrangements.
Visitors with any symptoms relating to Covid-19 coronavirus including a cough or temperature must not visit the hospital, and they are also being urged to stay away if they have any symptoms of a general cold including cough, runny nose, and also stomach upset such as diarrhoea or vomiting.
At time of writing, on Monday, March 16, Warrington borough had confirmed one case of Covid 19 and Halton had none.
Kimberley SalmonJamieson, WHH Chief Nurse and director for infection prevention and control, said: “The safety of our patients and our staff is a priority at this challenging time.
“We are asking everyone to support these measures which we hope will limit any opportunity for infection being brought in to our hospitals. We hope to restore open visiting as soon we are advised by Public Health England that the coronavirus diminished.”
The trust has advised visitors to contact its threat is patient advice and liaison service if they have specific concerns beyond this guidance.
The service is available on weekdays on 01925 275 512 or e-mail WHH.Pals@ nhs.net