Visiting restrictions reintroduced at Peterborough City Hospital after rise in coronavirus cases

The restrictions are in place for Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford hospitals and mean that normal visiting times will not take place for inpatients.

Exemptions have been made for end of life patients, carers, parents of paediatric parents and birthing partners during and after labour if mum and baby remain as inpatients.

For women attending maternity appointments, their birthing partner is able to attend scans but not regular antenatal appointments.

For outpatient or Emergency Department attendances, a patient can be accompanied at the discretion of the treating clinician.

While these restrictions are in place, all hospital services are continuing to operate.

Dr Kanchan Rege, Chief Medical Officer for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Unfortunately we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with coronavirus, which reflects local community figures too, so it is necessary for us to reintroduce some visiting restrictions as a result.

“This isn’t a decision we take lightly, and we hope that some of our initiatives such as iPads for FaceTime calls and our ‘Letters to Loved Ones’ initiative will help to make our patients’ stay in hospital easier, even with more restricted visiting in place.

“Our visiting policy is regularly reviewed. Safety is always our top priority, balanced with our patients’ experience. We would like to thank everyone for adhering to our safety advice, and ask that everyone continues to do their bit by following national social distancing, face covering and hand washing guidelines, as these measures really do make a difference and help to minimise the spread of the virus.”

Patients entering the hospital have been advised to wash their hands, wear a face covering while inside and to keep a safe distance from others. Anyone displaying symptoms of coronavirus has been advised to stay at home and book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

For more information on the visiting restrictions, see the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust website by clicking here.