The Chief Medical Officer has announced that the country is moving into the ‘Delay’ stage of the response to coronavirus from Friday, 13th March 2020.
The new advice issued by the Chief Medical Officer is as follows:
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
- Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. Stay At Home advice can be found here
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.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
More information can be found on the NHS website here
Covid-19 Coronavirus – restricted visiting at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals
From Tuesday 17th March 2020 Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals will restrict visiting to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Visiting times on almost all wards will be between 4pm and 7pm daily with only two visitors allowed per day. No children under 16 years will be permitted on any ward.
There will be some concessions to this including:
- Relatives of those nearing end of life will be supported to visit their loved ones, bespoke arrangements will be made by the nurse in charge
- Patients on Intensive Care Unit where visiting will be 2-5pm and 5-7pm daily, visits outside this will be on a case by case basis in discussion with ICU staff
- Maternity, Children’s and Neonatal wards where local arrangements are being made.
Important Notice
- Visitors with any symptoms relating to Covid-19- coronavirus including a cough or temperature must not visit the hospital the guidance issued by NHS111 is here: https://
www. nhs.uk/ conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/ self-isolation-advice/ - If visitors have a general cold, including cough, cold, runny nose they must not come to the hospital.
- Visitors with any symptoms relating to a stomach upset, including diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not come to the hospital.
Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, Chief Nurse and Director for Infection Prevention and Control said: “The safety of our patients and our staff is a priority at this challenging time. We are asking everyone to support these measures which we hope will limit any opportunity for infection being brought in to our hospitals. We hope to restore open visiting as soon we are advised by Public Health England that the coronavirus threat is diminished.”
The Trust advises visitors to contact its Patient Advice and Liaison Service if they have specific concerns beyond this guidance, the service is available on weekdays on 01925 275512 or e-mail WHH.
