West Suffolk Hospital to suspend patient visiting following significant increase in coronavirus cases locally

West Suffolk Hospital have put a temporary stop to visitors. It follows a significant increase in coronavirus cases locally.

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust say they are introducing new visiting arrangements to help respond to Covid-19 and to further protect our community.

From tomorrow, Tuesday, 15 December, most inpatients will be unable to have visits in person, except:

    • For a child who is a patient:
      • One named parent or responsible carer, who lives in the same household
      • Visiting hours are unlimited
    • For maternity patients:
      • One named person throughout the pregnancy
      • Visiting will be limited to one hour per day for inpatients, or to accompany to scans and during labour
    • For people receiving end-of-life care:
      • One named person
      • Visiting will be limited to one hour per day, at a consistent time to be agreed with the ward manager
    • For people who have a learning disability or severe dementia:
      • Named carer(s) who live in the same household or attend the person professionally, as required on the basis of individual need
      • Visiting hours to be agreed with the ward manager, as required on the basis of individual need

In the event that a named visitor or anyone living with them develops symptoms of Covid-19, they must not visit the hospital. Instead, they should follow the national guidance on self-isolation and testing.

These changes do not affect any planned inpatient or outpatient services and patients should still come in for booked tests, appointments and procedures.

A spokesperson from West Suffolk NHS Foundation trust said “Due to a significant increase in coronavirus cases locally, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is introducing new visiting arrangements to help respond to Covid-19 and to further protect our community”.

“We know that it’s important for our patients to see family and friends. We are reluctantly taking these steps to help prevent the spread of infection and ask that the public consider other ways of contacting loved ones such as using personal mobile phone.”

“We know some patients need extra support, but we ask that wherever possible patients attend the hospital alone. While on site everyone should follow social distancing guidelines, including wearing a face covering and using the hand sanitiser provided.”

“We would like to thank patients and visitors for their co-operation and support in respecting these rules and helping us limit the spread of Covid-19.”