Coronavirus: Support offered to vulnerable Peterborough residents as Addenbrooke’s Hospital restricts visitors

Earlier today the Peterborough Telegraph reported on how Longthorpe Post Office has offered to make deliveries to people who have difficulty in travelling or are unable to leave the house.

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Now, Nisa Local in Oundle Road is telling vulnerable residents that it is “here to help”.

A message posted on Facebook stated: “If you have difficulty travelling or leaving the house, please call us on 01733 313676 and we will try to do our best to deliver you the essentials you need.

“Nisa Local will offer free delivery so please do contact us. We will still be open during these times so please do come in and see us. Through these difficult times it’s important to look out for one another.

“Best wishes from Raj, Vipul and the family at Nisa Local Oundle Road.”

Moreover, a support network for residents in Fletton, Woodston and Stanground has been set up (search Fletton-Woodston-Stanground shared support for COVID-19 on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1273708889488158/).

Katherine Watt, who set up the network, said she had posted on local groups and had received a fantastic response.

She added: “There were all sort of people including care and health workers, pharmacists, people who are DBS checked or just people with transport, have a little extra time, or could simply lend an ear to those feeling isolated and scared.

“There were also replies from vulnerable people who felt so grateful and reassured that whatever happens, there is support out there.”

Katherine said she intends to distribute flyers in the local area to spread the word, with volunteers then able to help those who indicate they need support.

Meanwhile, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which earlier this week revealed a patient had tested positive for coronavirus, has limited patient visits in the following ways:

. One visitor per adult patient

. A partner and birthing partner per woman in labour

. Two parents or responsible carers per child patient

. No children (under 12 years old) on site without prior agreement of the ward sister or charge nurse.

Discretion will be applied on compassionate grounds by the nurse/midwife in charge, it added.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn has banned all visitors after three patients tested positive for coronavirus, while nationally the number of deaths from the outbreak has gone from 11 to 21 in the past 24 hours.

There has only been one confirmed case in Cambridgeshire, although Northamptonshire has six. There is also one in Lincolnshire.