Visiting times

George Eliot Hospital have taken the decision to stop all visiting times.

From 20:00 on Tuesday 24 March we have now stopped all visiting to the hospital except on compassionate grounds which should be discussed with the ward.

We would encourage families to use alternative ways to keep in touch with their friends and relatives, through telephone calls, Face time etc. These restrictions will be in place until further notice. This is in line with Government guidance self-isolation and will free up staff while reducing the risk of infection.

Patients should continue to attend their hospital appointments unless otherwise advised by George Eliot Hospital. Patients under 16 should continue to attend the hospital to be treated.

Director of Nursing , Daljit Athwal said “Our top priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, staff and visitors. We understand that these restrictions will be difficult for some patients and their loved ones but at the same time, I hope people understand why we are taking this precautionary step.

We continue to plan ahead and take proportionate actions that are in the best interests of patient care and safety. We also need to support  our dedicated hospital staff so they can continue to focus all their efforts on the people they are caring for.”

 Updated 24 March 2020 

Visiting in Maternity & Special Care Baby Unit

As a trust in order to minimize risk to pregnant women, unborn babies and our babies in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), the difficult decision has been made to limit visiting in maternity and SCBU with immediate effect.

SCBU

Visiting is restricted to parents of the admitted baby only.

Please ensure that you observe all hand washing recommendations displayed in the unit, and that you talk with the Nursing staff about any concerns you may have.

If you have any concerns or wish to discuss the visiting further then please contact SCBU directly.

Maternity

Women attending outpatient areas such as antenatal clinics, maternity ultrasound, triage and MAU should do so alone. Partners should wait either in their car or in the Maternity Lobby if safe social distancing can be maintained.

We are no longer issuing free meal vouchers as we want to discourage movement around the hospital.

The remaining restrictions for Maternity remain unchanged i.e.

One birth partner to be identified for the duration of the admission.

• On the Antenatal ward, for non-labouring admissions, the identified birth partner may accompany the mother during her admission.

• For women admitted in labour, the birth partner is welcome to support the woman throughout.

• On the postnatal ward, the same birth partner is welcomed to support the woman and learn together regarding essential care needs of mother and baby (i.e. baby care, feeding, hygiene, emotional and psychological wellbeing), for the remainder of her stay.

 Maternity Outpatient Appointments - Polite notice

Due to COVID-19 we are currently asking all women to attend unaccompanied to all Outpatient appointments, Antenatal, Gynaecology, Ultrasound and Maternity Assessment Appointments. (This is with the exception of one birth partner if you are in labour and being seen in triage).

This is in line with current government social distancing guidance and is for the safety or you, your family and our staff.

Please do not be offended if we ask anyone who accompanies you to wait outside.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, however as a trust we would like to minimise the risk to pregnant women and unborn babies.