NON-ESSENTIAL hospital visits across Northumberland and North Tyneside have been suspended.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has taken this 'difficult, important decision' to protect its patients and staff after a rise in cases of coronavirus in the community.
Until further notice, visiting will only be permitted in the following circumstances and PPE must be worn: for patients who are receiving end-of-life care, for birthing partners in maternity units, for parents or legal guardians in the children’s unit and for long-stay patients and those with dementia at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
Women will be able to bring their birthing partners when attending 12 or 20-week scan appointments.
The move comes as tougher restrictions were announced for the seven local authority areas in the North-East.
Ipads will continue to be available on wards to facilitate ‘virtual’ visiting and friends and relatives will be able to stay connected to loved ones by ringing the trust’s patient line on 0191 293 4306, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or by sharing pictures/photos via patient.experience@nhct.nhs.uk
In addition, patients can make unlimited phone calls to UK landlines and mobiles free of charge via bedside units.
Anyone attending hospital for an outpatient or diagnostic appointment or for a minor injury, urgent care or in an emergency is asked to do so alone, unless they need to be accompanied by a carer, to reduce footfall.
People attending hospital sites are also being reminded to wash their hands at the basins when entering and leaving, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.
Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at Northumbria Healthcare, said: "In light of the increased numbers of cases of coronavirus across Northumberland and North Tyneside, we simply must take action now to protect our patients, staff and local communities.
"Suspending non-essential visiting is a difficult decision to make however, given the current situation in our communities, it is the right one if we are to reduce the spread of coronavirus in our hospitals and take care of our most vulnerable patients.
"As nurses, we know the positive impact seeing and hearing from loved ones can have on a patient and we would urge families to make use of the methods we have in place to facilitate virtual visiting and staying connected.
"We had tremendous support from our communities when we had these visiting restrictions in place previously and we would appeal to them again for their co-operation at this difficult time."
In addition to the above exemptions, there will be exceptional clinical or social reasons where visitors will be permitted, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis – people are urged to liaise directly with the ward.
The trust continues to remind people to follow NHS advice if they have symptoms and not to attend A&E or hospital sites for a Covid-19 test, follow rules on social distancing, not to mix with people from outside your household or support bubble, to wear a face covering, especially in enclosed public spaces when social distancing can be difficult or when in contact with people you would not usually meet, and to wash hands for 20 seconds and often.
The main symptoms of coronavirus are: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste.
If you have symptoms, you are advised to get a test and stay at home. For more information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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