Stepping Hill suspends visits for two weeks due to Covid 19 ‘challenges’

Visiting at Stepping Hill Hospital has been suspended for two weeks due to concerns over Covid 19.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust says the decision has been made due to ‘challenges associated’ with the infection rate both at the hospital and in the community.

The borough of Stockport currently has the third highest infection rate in Greater Manchester, standing at 439.5 cases per 100,000 people according to data for the week to October 29.

Health bosses say the decision has ‘not been made lightly’ and recognise that it may cause ‘distress’ for patients and their families.

While ‘routine visiting’ has been postponed, exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds, ‘on a case by case basis’.

These must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge, with hospital chiefs stressing that ‘the safety of our patients, staff and the local community is a priority’.

The suspension began today (Wednesday) and will be regularly reviewed. The trust has promised to ‘keep the public informed of any changes that occur’.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We thank everyone for their patience and support during this continuing difficult time.”

Full details are as follows:

Adult inpatient wards

Visits to all adult inpatient wards are suspended.

Some exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds on a case by case basis, including visits to those who are at end of life. These visits must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge.

Exceptions may also be made for relatives collecting patients who are ready to leave hospital.

Single birthing partner and sole visitor for maternity areas

Women are asked to nominate a single birthing partner or visitor to be with them during their stay. This person will have open visiting to the maternity ward, the delivery suite and birth units.

No children or young people under the age of 16 should visit.

On entering and leaving the wards, birthing partners or visitors must wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.

Children’s Ward

Only one parent or guardian can visit a child unless there are special circumstances (which should be discussed with the ward manager).

No siblings or young people under the age of 16 should visit.

Emergency Department (A&E)

No adult patients should be accompanied by a visitor, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

One parent or guardian can stay with a patient in the children`s emergency department

Masks for visitors and outpatients on the Stepping Hill Hospital site

Please note that for patients and any visitors which are allowed, masks are still required on site.

Face coverings are different to face masks in that they can be homemade, made of cloth, and be reusable. If a patient or visitor does not have a face covering when they come to hospital, a face covering or mask will be provided by the hospital on arrival.

Masks are available at the following locations across the hospital site:

Oak House (the main hospital entrance)

Women’s Unit (main entrance)

End of main corridor (near endoscopy)

Entrance opposite Outpatients B

Each station has hand sanitiser, bins and masks available.