KGH bans all visitors in effort to tackle coronavirus

KGH has banned all visitors apart from a few exceptions in specific cases.

In a statement, KGH say the changes will be in effect from Wednesday, March 25 (tomorrow).

KGH said: "Kettering General Hospital is further restricting visiting to our hospital to help tackle the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to protect both our patients and our staff.

"With effect from Wednesday, March 25 we will not allow any visitors to our hospital, with a few exceptions."

There are currently 29 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Northamptonshire. Neither KGH or NGH have confirmed how many cases of coronavirus they are treating.

KGH are allowing restricted visiting to certain wards, including maternity, neonatal, paediatrics, A&E, and outpatient care.

For patients at the end of their life, KGH said: "In the upsetting and difficult circumstances where patients may be at the end of their life, the decision for visiting will be down to the nurse in charge."

Other restrictions include maternity care, where women on the labour ward may be joined by one birthing partner only. No visitors will be allowed on the post and antenatal wards.

Women attending maternity scans and antenatal appointments must be unaccompanied.

In the neonatal ward, the only permitted visitors will be mothers and this will be between 9am and 5pm.

In paediatrics, children must only be visited by one parent or guardian, KGH said: "Strictly no siblings."

One person, only if needed, is allowed to accompany those attending the emergency department or outpatient care.

These are the only exceptions to KGH's decision to not allow any visitors to the hospital.

KGH added: "On arrival to any ward or department, all visitors should wash their hands thoroughly (for 20 seconds at least) or use the hand sanitiser provided.

"We also ask that you use the hand sanitiser on leaving the ward or department."