Coronavirus: Rotherham Hospital visiting rules
ROTHERHAM Hospital has banned visitors who are aged under 16 and those with low immune systems as a second coronavirus patient is confirmed.
The hospital has also said that those attending the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) should “only do so in an emergency”, and patients will only be allowed one visitor at a time.
The hospital's managing trust warned that patients may see staff wearing masks and gowns more often than usual for “precautionary measures” and it does not mean there is an increased risk.
Mr Gardner said it was to allow “the safe transfer of a severely unwell patient to an ambulance”, adding. “In line with national guidance, precautions were taken which included the temporary lockdown and staff wearing personal protective equipment, including masks and gowns. There was no increased risk to other patients, visitors or staff.
“Since this event, we have had a different patient test positive for Covid-19. All necessary precautions were taken and the patient is now being treated in one of the specialist Infectious Disease Units.
“Our services are currently running as normal, but those attending the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) should only attend in an emergency.
“Patients and visitors to the hospital may see staff wearing masks and gowns more often than usual in clinical areas and when transferring patients to other areas, but this is due to precautionary measures and does not mean there is a positive patient or an increased risk.
“We would like to take this opportunity to stress that patients and visitors should respect patient confidentiality at all times, and adhere to any precautionary measures put in place.
“One of the precautions we are taking is the restriction of visiting. With immediate effect, there should be no visitors under the age of 16 or that are immunocompromised. Patients will be allowed a maximum of one visitor at a time for those that are not isolated. Further restrictions will be in place for those in isolation and further guidance will be provided on these occasions.”
A hospital spokesman confirmed while there have been two reported cases in Rotherham, only one patient has been in attendance at the hospital.
The nearest specialist Infectious Disease Units are based in Sheffield and Hull.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you should not visit patients.
The new advice issued by the NHS Chief Medical Officer is as follows:
Stay at home for seven days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Stay At Home advice can be found here.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
More information can be found on the NHS website here.
Why local news matters and why we are making important changes to our website
The Rotherham Advertiser provides a one-stop service for information on everything that is happening in Rotherham. We hold authority to account, attend court, inquests and council meetings, as well as provide news and reports on all local sports. We are about democracy and democracy is worth paying for.