Medical Director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Jim Gardner, said: “In order to protect our patients, staff and visitors from the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have put in place a temporary policy to limit hospital visits by members of the public on some medical wards in line with national guidance which states: ‘Visitors to all segregated areas should be restricted to essential visitors only, such as parents of paediatric patients or an affected patient’s main carer.’
“We are discussing this issue with NHS colleagues and will make further announcements when plans are finalised across the county.’’
Outpatient appointments are currently continuing as normal, unless you are contacted and advised otherwise. For adult patients attending outpatient appointments, please be mindful to either attend by yourself or bring one person to accompany you where possible.
The public are reminded to take note of the national guidance as below:
If you have a new consistent cough or high temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) then please do not visit our hospitals. You should, as stated in NHS and Public Health England guidance, self-isolate at home for seven days.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
More information can be found on the NHS website here.