Those visiting patients in the Johnson Hospital in Spalding will now have to provide proof of a negative test of COVID-19.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) has announced visitors will need to have taken a lateral flow test before arriving at the hospital and those it also runs in Lincoln, Grantham and Skegness.
Visitors currently have to book appointments to visit and must wear a new, appropriate face covering, clean their hands and follow floor markings and social distancing markings.
A spokesman the trust said: “The hospitals remain open for patient visiting. However, to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus to vulnerable patients, visitors will be asked to take the lateral flow test before arriving and provide proof of a negative result.
“All visiting remains by appointment only. Visitors are limited to one per patient to support social distancing on trust’s wards.”
Tracy Pilcher, director of nursing, allied health professionals and operations, said: “Having contact with family is very important for our patients who are often elderly. Being able to see loved ones is an essential part of ensuring the wellbeing of patients on our wards.
“We do all we can to continue to allow visiting in our community hospitals while introducing additional precautions by asking visitors to complete a lateral flow test before arriving.
This is to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff. We must stay cautious and vigilant in
the light of rising coronavirus infections.
“Patients and visitors have generally been fantastic at following our guidance throughout the pandemic, and we know that they will appreciate that we do our best to support safe visiting arrangements.”
Full information and guidance about visiting Lincolnshire community hospitals as well as contact details for each ward are published on LCHS website www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk/visiting
