Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust suspended visiting at the Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital and all its community hospitals this week following national guidance to reduce the risks of people bringing unknown cases of Coronavirus into hospitals.
Professor John Howarth, Deputy Chief Executive at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly. However, it is a sensible step to help avoid unknown cases of Coronavirus in our hospitals and in our communities across North Cumbria.
“At this time, we must do all we can to protect our patients and also our staff who we need to be well in order to care for those who need their help. Whilst this is a temporary measure, we cannot say at this stage how long it will be in place.
“We understand that people will be disappointed by not being able to visit loved ones in hospital and we would appeal to the public for their support and co-operation at this difficult time.”
There are small exceptions where visitors will be permitted, including patients who are receiving end-of-life care, for birthing partners in maternity units and for parents or legal guardians in the children’s unit, in addition to exceptional clinical or social reasons why someone wants to visit which will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Patients attending outpatient appointments have also been asked not bring others along with them unless it is absolutely essential.
