From today (Monday 14th March), patients can have a daily visitor for up to an hour. This will apply to all wards, except the Intensive Care Unit, where the hospital cares for the most vulnerable patients.
To support social distancing, visitors will need to book their visiting time directly the ward and can visit between 10am and 8pm and will be required to wear a face mask and take a lateral flow test 24 hours prior to visiting. There continues to be exceptions in compassionate circumstances.
Juliet Pearce, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals said,
“We are delighted to be able to invite more people back into our hospital to spend time with their loved ones, whilst ensuring that everyone stays safe.
“We know how difficult it has been for families, friends and loved ones not to be able to visit while restrictions have been in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and we are grateful to everyone for their support and patience.
“We have all worked hard to achieve lower rates of infection, but COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community. Hands, face and space are still 3 important steps to follow, and we urge everyone to follow the provided advice and guidance to prevent our staff and patients from contracting this highly infectious disease.”
To ensure the ongoing safety of our patients, staff and visitors, the following infection prevention and control measures at St. Mary’s Hospital and our community-based locations remain in place.
- Wearing face masks: Face masks are still a requirement in healthcare settings and it is an important measure that keeps those receiving healthcare safe.
- Hand sanitation: On entering and leaving the hospital and wards, alcohol sanitation is provided.
- Physical distancing: Visitors must maintain a 1 metre plus physical distance from other patients and staff.
- Lateral flow test: We ask that a test is taken within 24 hours prior to visiting. If positive, appointments or visits to be rearranged.
Please do not visit if:
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 via a Lateral Flow Test or PCR Test.
- You are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or other respiratory symptoms.
- You have a recent history (last 10 days) of contact with symptomatic or positive household case
- You are self-isolating
Visiting restrictions will be regularly reviewed and updated in our visiting policy. Full details of the visiting policy can be found on the Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
Image: Anumol, Eunice and Kirk on Colwell Ward
