Visiting restrictions re-introduced due to rise in COVID-19 cases
Due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases both within North West Anglia Foundation Trust hospitals and in local communities, the difficult decision was made to further restrict inpatient visiting at Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Stamford & Rutland Hospital, from Thursday 18 November 2021.
“Restricting visiting is always a very last resort for us and something that we only look at doing when we know that the safety of our patients and staff is compromised,”
“We completely appreciate the upset this decision causes to our patients and their relatives, and we are sorry we’re still in a situation where these measures are necessary. It is important to remember however, that we must take all sensible precautions to prevent the spread of this virus. We know all too well how devastating the effects can be, especially to those who are already vulnerable.”
Jo Bennis, Chief Nurse
Peterborough and Cambridgeshire are currently deemed an Enhanced Response Area (ERA) to Covid-19. The Government, informed by scientific data, such as case- rate growth, and local prevalence, provides national support to local areas which need an enhanced response to ensure there is no danger of the NHS facing unsustainable pressure.
Relatives are encouraged to use the Letters from Loved Ones Service, as well as speak to ward staff about video calls, if they don’t have a device of their own or need assistance in making contact with friends and relatives.
From Thursday 18 November 2021, further visiting restrictions were reinstated across NWAFT sites, applying to all visitors except in the following circumstances:
- End of life patients – two people will be allowed to visit for patients receiving end of life care
- One parent/carer per child – this is for children as inpatients as well as those attending for outpatient appointments or coming to the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or emergency department
- One carer is permitted for any patient requiring a carer who is an inpatient as well as those attending for outpatient appointments or coming to the UTC or emergency department
- Visitors to maternity services and Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care baby Units are not affected – please see information specific to maternity.
