Face-coverings will continue to be required at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals when national Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in many settings on Monday 19 July.

This is in line with Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines which remain in place for all staff and visitors.

Hospital visiting will also remain restricted except in limited circumstances.

Bridget Lees, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies, said: “Hospitals are different from other places. If more people come into our hospital and don’t wear face-coverings, it is more likely that people will bring infection in and risk the health of vulnerable patients.

“We know how difficult it is for families with loved ones in hospital but minimising visiting is the best way to keep everyone as safe from infection as possible.

“Both patients and visitors must follow our infection control guidance, including wearing a face-covering. These are provided free by us at all hospital entrances. Please also remember ‘hands, face and space’.”

Anyone visiting the Trust not wearing a face-covering, and without a documented medical exemption, may be asked to leave.

Bridget added: “Finally, I want to thank the public for their amazing support but we still need your help to keep our patients safe.”

Visiting

With prior arrangement, visiting only continues in the following specific circumstances at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals:

• Patients who are at the end of their life – up to 2 visitors
• Women in maternity – 1 partner for appointments and scans and 2 interchangeable partners for inpatients one at a time with both present during labour while on the delivery suite
• Children/neonatal –1 named parent/carer (parents/carers can interchange)
• Supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability, autism or other similar complex conditions that would be deemed in their best interest (where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed)
• Supporting someone with continuing healthcare needs for discharge

If the above circumstances apply, each individual area will advise on arrangements for booking your visit. Check our website for further information.

Vaccination

All adults in England have now been offered at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective. They give the best protection against Covid-19. It usually takes around two to three weeks for an antibody response to develop. Two doses of vaccine are needed for maximum protection against Covid-19. Book a vaccination here.

Stay safe

Government guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread from 19 July here.