***UPDATED 16 APRIL 2021***
Patients attending our Emergency Department or Acute Assessment areas must attend alone unless they are a child or a vulnerable patient with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, are critically ill or receiving end-of-life care.
Visiting restrictions will be partially lifted at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH), allowing patients to receive one visitor per day, for one hour.
The change comes into effect on Monday 12 April and will mean that patients will benefit from seeing their loved ones while balancing the safety of all patients and staff. Hands, Face, Space requirements will remain in place.
Visiting slots should be booked directly via the ward which can be contacted through Switchboard on 01553 613613 on weekdays between 10.00am and midday. The Trust will only be taking bookings from Monday 12 April, and visiting slots will be available throughout the day, seven days a week.
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 as we safely reintroduce visiting to our hospital.
Visitors will be expected to wash or sanitise their hands on arrival at the hospital and ward; all visitors must always wear a face covering, including when entering and moving through the hospital. Visitors will be asked to wear a surgical facemask if visiting a high-risk area or a patient with suspected/known COVID-19.
In addition, visitors will be expected to cover any cuts on their hands and follow social distancing rules. All visitors will be asked to provide their details for NHS Test and Trace at booking.
In line with Government guidelines, visitors who have tested positive or are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, should not visit, to ensure everyone’s safety.
QEH supports and promotes compassionate care. In cases where patients are receiving end of life care, the hospital may facilitate visits under special arrangements and this will be agreed on a case-by-case basis with patients and relatives.
The Trust will continue to facilitate virtual visits for those unable to visit in-person, including via phone, video calls, and messages.
Patients attending our Emergency Department or Acute Assessment areas must attend alone unless they are a child or a vulnerable patient with learning disabilities, autism, dementia or receiving end-of-life care.
Carmel O’Brien, Chief Nurse at QEH, says: “Enabling more visits is important for our patients’ physical and emotional recovery so we are pleased to have been able to put plans in place for the reintroduction of limited visiting. We will continue monitoring the situation carefully, and ensuring Hands, Face, Space guidance is followed, so that our patients, staff and visitors are all kept safe.”
The changes do not apply to outpatient appointments. Visiting remains restricted for outpatient appointments unless visitors are:
- a parent or appropriate adult supporting a child
- accompanying a patient to a cancer diagnostic test results appointment
- supporting a vulnerable patient– including those with learning disabilities, autism, dementia or a mental health issue where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
Restrictions also remain in place for maternity appointments. One person can attend the Maternity Unit with their pregnant partner in the following circumstances:
- One partner can attend maternity appointments, including: growth scans and any Day Assessment Unit or clinic appointments
- During the labour and birth of their baby (which includes induction of labour)
- On the Antenatal Ward if they are admitted and also on the Postnatal Ward following birth, between the hours of 8.30am and 8.30pm
- The Trust will make all reasonable adjustments for anyone with additional needs and ask that they speak to their Midwife about any concerns they have in the first instance
Further information about visiting restrictions at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn can be found at qehkl.nhs.uk/Coronavirus_Patient.asp.
–ENDS–
QEH Media Hub 