16/03/2020 | Press releases

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Changes to our visitor policy to protect all of the people we care for

Changes to our visitor policy to protect all of the people we care for as the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) develops.

From tomorrow (Tuesday 17 March) we are introducing the following visiting restrictions at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, and our community hospitals:

  • One visitor per adult patient at a time
  • A partner and birthing partner per woman in labour
  • Two parents or responsible carers per child patient
  • Neonatal visiting is parents of babies only
  • No children (under 12 years) on site without prior agreement of the nurse / midwife in charge on the ward
  • If you have a new continuous cough or fever (temperature higher than 37.8 degrees)  please do not enter the buildings

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

General advice for everyone

If you have a continuous cough or high temperature (37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) you should, as stated in NHS and Public Health England guidance, self-isolate at home for seven days.

Everyone is reminded 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

 

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