NEWS | Spike in the number of patients with COVID-19 at hospitals in Herefordshire with ward closures in place following outbreaks

Latest data shared by NHS England has shown a spike in the number of patients with COVID-19 at hospitals in Herefordshire (Wye Valley NHS Trust).

Data shows that as of 19th October, a total of 55 patients at Wye Valley NHS Trust (Herefordshire Hospitals) had tested positive for COVID-19. This is an increase from the 5th October, when a total of 38 patients were recorded as having COVID-19 at hospital.

The data follows news last week that two community hospitals in Herefordshire were closed to visitors due to COVID-19 outbreaks, with one ward also closed to visitors at Hereford County Hospital.

Patients and visitors face masks required in clinical areas – see details below – updated 11/10/22 

Patients and visitors are required to wear a face masks in most clinical areas at Trust sites as detailed below.

Masks must be worn in; Inpatient areas, bedded areas, Emergency areas (Emergency department, SDEC).

Masks do not need to be worn in outpatient areas.   

Wye Valley NHS Trust is pleased to be able extend visiting arrangements at its hospitals and lift the previous restrictions, which means that inpatients can now have visits from family and friends for longer periods.

Children and young people are welcome, although it is sensible to avoid bringing very young children into hospitals where possible and this needs to be discussed with ward staff in advance.

All non-urgent clinical activity stops during mealtimes to allow patients to eat their meals in a calm and relaxing environment without unnecessary interruption. Please avoid visiting at mealtimes unless you would like to help your relative or friend with their meal. 

The new arrangements apply to the general wards at Hereford County Hospital and the three community hospitals at Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Bromyard.

The updated visiting arrangements at the Trust’s hospitals are as follows, with the exception of the wards closures detailed below: 

Location	Visiting arrrangements
Paediatrics – County Hospital	A maximum of two parents or carers can be present at all times, with the exception of an overnight stay where only one can be present. General visiting for siblings, wider family and friends 2pm to 8pm (excluding meal times). No more than two visitors at any one time.
Paediatric Emergency Department/ Paediatric Assessment Unit	Due to limited space, a maximum of one parent/carer can be present at any time.
Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) – County Hospital	Parents can be present at all times.  Siblings are permitted to visit during the day with a parent. Grandparents can visit between 3pm and 7pm. If the nurseries are busy one hour slots should be offered
Maternity – County Hospital	Delivery suite: Two birth partners are permitted to visit/support 24/7. These are not interchangeable and must be the same two people. Maternity ward: Partners: 9am to 9pm Siblings: 9am to 9pm (accompanied by partner)  Family and friends: 1pm to 4pm No more than two visitors at any one time
County Hospital Acute Medical Unit Arrow Ward Ashgrove Ward Dinmore Ward Garway Ward Gilwern Ward Frome Ward – surgical Lugg Ward Medical escalation Ward Redbrook Ward Orthopaedic unit Teme Ward Women’s Health Ward (located on Frome Ward 1st floor) Wye Ward	Ashgrove Ward is currently closed to visitors due to cases of COVID-19.  Unless there are exceptional circumstances – please speak to the nurse in charge   A maximum of two visitors at a time – 10am to 7pm Visitors should be asked to leave the bed area for a short time during ward rounds and essential patient care activities to protect the patient’s privacy and dignity. However, if appropriate and the patient consents, a relative being present during a ward round is beneficial to both the patient and the Trust. It can assist and support communication as well as an understanding of care planning and next steps.
Coronary Care Unit	A maximum of two visitors at a time – 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm (we ask that 1pm to 4pm is respected as rest time)
Intensive Care Unit	A maximum of two visitors at a time – 10am to 7pm Visitors should be asked to leave the bed area for a short time during ward rounds and essential patient care activities to protect the patient’s privacy and dignity. However, if appropriate and the patient consents, a relative being present during a ward round is beneficial to both the patient and the Trust. It can assist and support communication as well as an understanding of care planning and next steps.
Emergency Department	There are no specific visiting times – patients in the Emergency Department can be escorted by one relative/carer while they receive treatment in the department
Diagnostics and outpatient departments	There are no specific visiting times – patients can be accompanied by one relative/carer.
Community hospitals Bromyard Leominster Ross on Wye	Please note that Leominster and Ross community hospitals are currently closed to visitors due to COVID-19 cases. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, please speak to the nurse in charge. A maximum of two visitors at a time – 10am to 7pm Visitors should be asked to leave the bed area for a short time during ward rounds and essential patient care activities to protect the patient’s privacy and dignity. However, if appropriate and the patient consents, a relative being present during a ward round is beneficial to both the patient and the Trust. It can assist and support communication as well as an understanding of care planning and next steps.