Hospital and care home visits resume in next stage
HOSPITAL and care home visits can restart and elective operations resume in the next easing of lockdown.
Stage 2 is expected to start on Monday.
Visits to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will be restricted to pre-arranged one-hour windows and all visitors will be screened for Covid symptoms before entry.
Face-to-face physiotherapy appointments will also restart for urgent cases, but remote and virtual consultations should still take place where possible.
‘There will be changes for both Health & Social Care facilities and also at the hospital and also for private operators who run health and care services,’ said HSC president Al Brouard.
‘I am pleased to confirm that visitors will again be able to attend hospital to see friends and relatives.’
Face coverings should be worn at all times on visits.
‘While this may seem obvious – please, please do not under any circumstances attend the hospital if feeling unwell in any way or have any Covid symptoms.’
Deputy Brouard said that unfortunately islanders have attended the hospital while symptomatic, which caused quite a few problems.
‘Operating theatres at the PEH will open for all procedures, so elective surgery will resume. Likewise, the Day Patient Unit will be back to normal levels of activity.’
Patients undergoing surgery will be tested before their appointment and are advised to self-isolate for two weeks before arrival.
Most outpatient clinics will recommence and patients will be able to attend with one companion, provided HSC is notified in advance.
Community outpatient clinics will also be operating as normal.
HSC residential sites, such as the Oberlands Centre, will also permit one visitor, who will be screened on arrival, with face coverings worn and social distancing in place.
‘In terms of private health and care providers, dental practices will be open for emergency and essential care, and will be able to offer some routine procedures.’
Islanders should check with their dentist what services can be offered.
Nominated visiting for one person to see loved ones in care homes will be allowed in stage 2, although private care homes may make their own decisions on how to operate.
‘We know how difficult this period has been for individuals in care homes and for their families. Currently in stage 1 only end-of-life visits may take place. In stage 2 nominated visiting is allowed, with one named visitor allowed for each resident as per the agreed pathway of the home.’
Once in stage 3, care home visits will return to normal.
Anybody with questions on visiting should contact their relevant care home.
‘As with the hospital, do not attend if you feel unwell.’
Deputy Brouard said that 40 people with learning disabilities have been vaccinated so far within residential settings, with another 230 appointments to be arranged in the next week.
Work is under way to ensure the Community Vaccination Centre offers a suitable sensory environment, with longer appointment times, familiar faces available or the ability to schedule vaccinations elsewhere where needed.
