Hospital inpatient visiting at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust has been limited in light of the significant increased incidence of Covid-19 and to limit the further spread of Covid-19 among vulnerable groups of hospital inpatients.
This includes the following trust sites:
- Agnes Unit, Leicester
- Beacon Unit, Leicester
- Bennion Centre, Leicester
- Bradgate Mental Health Unit, Leicester
- Coalville Community Hospital
- Evington Centre, Leicester
- Herschel Prins Centre, Leicester
- Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital
- Loughborough Community Hospital
- Melton Mowbray Community Hospital
- Mill Lodge, Narborough
- Rutland Memorial Community Hospital
- Stewart House and The Willows, Narborough
- St. Luke’s Community Hospital, Market Harborough
Some visits will still be supported, in the following exceptional circumstances:
- for patients being cared for at end of life
- where the visit of a close family member or carer/friend would alleviate significant mental or physical distress to the patient
- the patient is a child being visited by a parent or an appropriate adult
Dr Anne Scott, executive director of nursing, said: “We apologise for the distress and inconvenience this will cause. However, this is a vital infection prevention and control measure to limit the further spread of Covid-19 among vulnerable groups of hospital inpatients. All supported visitors will need to book a visiting slot with the ward and answer a series of screening questions. They must also ensure they carry out a lateral flow test on the day of visiting and will be required to wear a surgical facemask. To keep patients and staff safe, you must not visit if you test positive for coronavirus or have any symptoms.”
Please do not visit if you have any of the following symptoms:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste
- any respiratory symptoms: sneezing, runny nose or sore throat)
- sickness and/or diarrhoea (in the last 48 hours prior to visiting).
Dr Scott continues: “We recognise the importance of connecting patients with their families, friends and carers and therefore strongly recommend virtual visits where possible. All wards have been equipped with dedicated tablet computers to make this possible.
LPT’s ‘Message to a Loved One’ service has been established to help inpatients keep in touch with loved ones while they are in hospital during this time. To find out more about the service please visit: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/contact/patient-advice-and-liaison-service-pals/message-to-a-loved-one/”.
This guidance came into effect on 31/12/2021 and will be reviewed on 14/01/2022. Further details can be found on the trust website: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/latest/covid-19-latest-information/covid-19-visiting/