Visiting temporarily suspended at Cornwall's main hospitals due to high Covid numbers

RCHT says many wards are closed or unable to take new admissions

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 10th Mar 2022
Last updated 10th Mar 2022

Visiting has been temporarily suspended at Cornwall's main hospitals because of a high number of Covid cases.

There are currently around 85 patients with coronavirus being treated within the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, most were admitted for other reasons before testing positive.

Health bosses said earlier this week that the numbers are having a significant impact, with ward closures and transfer delays.

The RCHT says it has had to make the difficult decision to suspend all visiting with immediate effect.

There are exceptional circumstances for end of life care and the current arrangements for maternity, paediatrics and paediatrics remain in place.

A Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust spokesperson said: "Over the last few days there has been a significant increase in the number of people in hospital who are covid positive. Although the vast majority of the 85 people have been admitted for another reason, it means we have many wards or bays unable to take new admissions.

"As a result, we have had to take the difficult decision to suspend all visiting with immediate effect. This includes visits planned for later today and through the coming weekend.

"Exceptional circumstances, including end of life care, will be considered compassionately on an individual basis.

"The current visiting arrangements for maternity, neonatal and paediatrics remain unchanged.

"We will be making every effort to resume visiting as soon as we can but we must reduce the number of people coming into our hospitals to a minimum, and it is likely we will have to keep this restriction in place for at least the next seven days.

"Wards will contact those who have already booked visits to discuss this with them. If you feel there is an exceptional need to arrange a new visit, please contact the ward first.

"Please see our Keeping In Touch information about the many ways we can help you to stay in touch with relatives and loved ones."

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