The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn has increased its restrictions around visiting in response to a rising number of COVID-19 infections identified at the Trust.
The Trust has experienced a sharp increase in cases, with currently 27 patients having tested positive for COVID-19.
This comes after staff at the Hospital have asked patients only to attend their A&E department in a genuine emergency due to high demand. They are asking us to use alternative services for less urgent matters and to use the NHS 111 service before going to A&E. They also said that pharmacists can offer advice and assistance for more minor issues. Coronavirus cases are continuing to rise in the area.
From Friday 3 September 2021 inpatient visits will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, and patients must also continue to attend outpatient appointments and the Emergency Department alone
The exceptions apply to visitors accompanying a child or vulnerable patient with learning disabilities or additional needs, such as autism or dementia. In these cases, one visitor will be permitted per patient. Further special arrangements may also be made for patients who are critically ill or receiving end-of-life care. This will be arranged on a case-by-case basis with patients and relatives.
Restrictions also remain in place for maternity appointments, allowing for one person to attend growth scans with their pregnant partner, Day Assessment Unit or clinic appointments, during labour and birth, the Antenatal Ward if they are admitted, and the Postnatal Ward. The Trust will continue to make reasonable adjustments for those with additional needs.
Visitors will be required to wash their hands upon arrival at the hospital and ward; adhere to social distancing where possible; and must always wear a face covering, including when entering and moving through the hospital. If visiting a high-risk area, or a patient with suspected or known COVID-19, visitors may be asked to wear additional PPE.
Anyone with a COVID-19 positive test or showing symptoms should not visit, even if these symptoms are mild or intermittent, due to the risk they pose to others.
Where relatives are unable to visit in person, the Trust continues to facilitate virtual visits, including via phone, video calls, and messages.