CHIEF NURSE: CURTAILING HOSPITAL VISITS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY IS RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION FOR PROTECTION OF ALL

THE chief nurse at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital has expressed regret that visiting opportunities have had to be curtailed but insists this is the right course of action given the seriousness of  the coronavirus situation.

Since Wednesday of last week, visiting the  hospital - plus those in Scunthorpe and Goole - is only being  allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Says Ellie Monkhouse:  “This is not a decision we took lightly, but we need to do the utmost to protect our patients and staff throughout this pandemic. 

"The Government guidance is clear - people need to stay at home and only go out for food, health reasons or essential travel to work. 

"We appreciate this will be difficult for people who are worried about their loved ones, but it is an essential step we feel we had to take.”

The exceptional circumstances are as follows:

· Patients at the end of their life
· Birthing partner
· One parent to see a child

Currenly no longer allowed  are partners/family members in antenatal clinics, scans or any other appointments at the antenatal day unit.

The Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals continue to review all non-urgent operations, diagnostic tests and appointments in line with Government guidance,

Any urgent, emergency and cancer care procedures are continuing  to go ahead.

Says a Trust spokesperson: "If your appointment/procedure with us is affected then we will contact you directly. 

"If you do not hear from us then please attend as usual. 

"If you cannot attend your appointment as you have symptoms of coronavirus then please call us on 03033 306642 to rearrange your appointment (open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri). 

"Where we can, and where appropriate, we are trying to minimise face-to-face appointments, and we will be carrying out appointments via telephone or video.

"Staff in the Trust’s community services are still offering appointments to patients, particularly those with urgent/high risk needs. 

As above, however, appointments may be changed or carried out over the phone."