Visiting restrictions reintroduced at Stamford & Rutland Hospital
It is because of a rise in coronavirus cases
Visiting restrictions are being reintroduced at Stamford & Rutland Hospital from today (18 November).
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has said it is because of a "sharp increase" in COVID-19 cases, both within their hospitals and in local communities.
Chief Nurse Jo Bennis said:
"Restricting visiting is always a very last resort for us and something that we only look at doing when we know that the safety of our patients and staff is compromised.
"We completely appreciate the upset this decision causes to our patients and their relatives, and we are sorry we’re still in a situation where these measures are necessary.
"It is important to remember however, that we must take all sensible precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.
"We know all too well how devastating the effects can be, especially to those who are already vulnerable."
Peterborough and Cambridgeshire are currently deemed an Enhanced Response Area (ERA) to COVID-19.
The Trust said the Government, informed by scientific data, such as case-rate growth, and local prevalence, provides national support to areas which need an enhanced response to make sure there is no danger of the NHS facing unsustainable pressure.
Jo added:
"We had really hoped we could avoid increasing the visitor restrictions, and had instead wanted to request evidence of a negative lateral flow test from visitors, starting this week.
"On further discussion and in review of the rise in cases within our hospitals, alongside us sitting within an ERA, that wouldn’t be sufficient for us to ensure we are doing all we can to help stop the virus being brought in to our patients from visitors.
"We will however, keep a very close eye on the situation and will review it at the same point that the government look at whether Peterborough and Cambridgeshire remain an ERA."
The restriction apply to all visitors except in the following circumstances:
-End of life patients – two people will be allowed to visit for patients receiving end of life care
-One parent/carer per child – this is for children as inpatients as well as those attending for outpatient appointments or coming to the UTC or emergency department
-One carer is permitted for any patient requiring a carer who is an inpatient as well as those attending for outpatient appointments or coming to the UTC or emergency department
-Visitors to maternity services and NICU/SCBU are not affected.
Relatives are being encouraged to use the Trust's Letters from Loved Ones Service, as well as speak to ward staff about video calls.