Visiting restrictions will be partially lifted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, allowing patients to receive one visitor, once a week for one hour.
The change – which comes into effect on Monday 3 August – means that patients will benefit from seeing their loved ones while balancing the safety of other patients and staff mindful of the social distancing requirements that remain in place.
Visiting slots should be booked directly via the ward who can be contacted through Switchboard on 01553 613613 on weekdays. All visitors will be required to fill out their details for NHS Test and Trace. Unfortunately if you refuse to share your details, we will not be able to allow you to proceed with booking your visit.
Appointments can be booked between 10am-midday Monday to Friday, with time slots available for visiting throughout the day (seven days a week) as follows: 10am-midday, 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Visitors are reassured that there are enough visiting slots available and if they are unable to get through on the phone to try again. We are expecting a high volume of calls so kindly ask for your patience.
Compassionate visiting for those patients with dementia, at end of life, with learning disabilities, autism, mental health problems, children and maternity can still be arranged with the ward.
For relatives who are unable to visit patients, ward mobile phones are still available for calling and video chat, messages can be sent to loved ones via our PALS team and belongings can be brought into the hospital and taken to your loved one on your behalf.
Libby McManus, Chief Nurse at the QEH, says: “Bringing back more visitors is an important part of a patients physical and emotional recovery and we are pleased to have been able to put plans in place for further limited visiting. We will monitor this very carefully to ensure everyone in our hospital is kept safe.
Visitors will be asked to wash their hands on arrival at the hospital. If you don’t have your own facemask these will be provided. These measures are in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and are vital to ensure the safety of our patients, their visitors and our staff.”
From Monday 3 August, patients who are attending antenatal ultrasound and cancer diagnosis appointments will also be able to bring one person with them.
All other outpatient appointments remain patient only, excluding children or those with learning disabilities, autism or dementia. Any other exceptions to this rule, appointments or ward visits, are made at the Consultant or Ward Manager’s discretion.
To reiterate, face coverings must be worn throughout your visit to the hospital – these can be provided by our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Officers located at the main entrance – and hands must be regularly washed and sanitised upon arrival and departure, as well as throughout the visit.
–ENDS–
QEH Media Hub 