Stepping Hill suspends visiting on inpatient wards in response to high Covid-19 cases

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has announced it will be suspending visiting on inpatient wards at Stepping Hill Hospital in response to the challenges of high Covid-19 case rates in the hospital in the wider community.

Routine hospital visiting will be suspended from 3rd November for a minimum of two weeks, and it will be subject to regular review. Some visitation, pre-arranged with nursing staff, may be allowed on a case-by-case basis on compassionate grounds, such as for those at end of life, and for relatives collecting patients being discharged.

On the Children’s Ward and children’s emergency department, one parent or guardian can visit or stay with a child, except under special circumstances, pre-agreed with the nurse in charge. In maternity areas, mothers should nominate a single birthing partner or visitor to accompany them during their stay.

For patients and any allowed visitors, face coverings also remain mandatory.

The decision to suspend visiting at Stepping Hill Hospital was announced with a statement on the NHS trust’s website:

Due to the challenges associated with the Covid-19 infection rate at Stepping Hill Hospital and the local community, the decision has been made to once again postpone routine hospital visiting.

This decision has not been made lightly and we recognise that this may cause distress for patients and their families. Exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds, on a case by case basis. These visits must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge. The safety of our patients, staff and the local community is a priority.

The current suspension is for a two week period and starts on Wednesday 3^rd November. This will be reviewed regularly and we will keep the public informed of any changes that occur.

We thank everyone for their patience and support during this continuing difficult time.