Isle of Wight NHS Trust has announced restrictions to visiting for all of its services in response to COVID-19.
The changes take effect from midday on 17 March (Tuesday) 2020 until further notice.
At the moment all other Isle of Wight NHS Trust services are running as normal – there is no need to cancel outpatient appointments.
We know that it’s important for our patients to see family and friends but keeping visits to the absolute minimum will help prevent the spread of infection.
Who can visit?
Visiting should be limited to only essential visiting which has been arranged with the ward manager. Exceptions will be made for the following patient groups where close family and friends visiting the may be admitted:
- Patients in critical care
- Vulnerable young adults
- Psychiatric patients
- Loved ones who are receiving end of life care.
Children should not visit the wards.
Are you unwell?
If you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or come to hospital. Visit the NHS Website for more information.
What infection control procedures should you follow in the hospital?
Any visitors who have permission to visit should adhere to the following infection control guidelines:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before arriving at the hospital
- Use the hand hygiene gels at the entrance to the hospital and throughout the hospital
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze and put used tissues into a bin
- Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the hospital
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight NHS Trust said:
“We understand how important visiting family and friends is but we have to prioritise the safety of our patients, staff and the wider community.
“Restricting the number of visits to the hospital will help contain the spread of COVID-19 and we are grateful to people for their cooperation and understanding.”
We appreciate your support and thank you in advance.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Ed
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Auntie P
