The number of patients with COVID-19 at hospitals in Herefordshire (Wye Valley NHS Trust) has increased.
Latest data shared by NHS England shows that on the 7th December, a total of 27 patients were reported as having COVID-19 at hospital in Herefordshire. This is an increase on the same day the previous week when a total of 21 patients were reported as having COVID-19 at hospital in the county.
There has also been an increase in the number of patients that are requiring mechanical ventilation for COVID-19, with data released by NHS England showing that on the 2nd December, a total of two patients were being treated with mechanical ventilation at hospitals in Herefordshire (Wye Valley NHS Trust). This is an increase on the previous week when no patients were reported as requiring mechanical ventilation.
This all comes as Hereford County Hospital earlier this week put out a plea to local residents to consider alternatives before attending A&E, due to the Emergency Department being ‘very busy’.
Visiting is also suspended on most wards, with the latest guidance from Wye Valley NHS Trust saying:
Visiting at the Trust and it’s hospitals/wards, including Hereford County Hospital, Ross, Leominster and Bromyard Community Hospitals, has been suspended due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the community.
The only exceptions are:
- Compassionate grounds – visiting must be agreed with the nurse in charge of the ward. Visitors will be allowed on wards if:
- The patient is receiving end of life care
- The patient is in receipt of bad news
- The patient faces a life-changing illness or injury
- The patient needs specific support and will benefit from a visitor
- Children’s ward, SCBU and Maternity – visiting is not suspended on these wards – current visiting restrictions remain in place find out more before attending. Please see the table below on this page for visiting links/information.
- Stroke patients – visitors will be allowed to see stroke patients within their first 72 hours of admission. Speak to the nurse in charge.
- Out-patients can only be accompanied if: the patient is vulnerable and needs support and/or the patient is to receive bad news. Any visits must be arranged and agreed by the Nurse in charge. See further information re outpatient appointments.
- Please note – If you are a full-time carer of an inpatient, time will be given to you to ensure vital information is shared to facilitate person centred care recognising you may not be able to stay with your relative due to restricted visiting. Please speak to the nurse in charge.
Visiting arrangements are constantly under review and the Trust hopes to return to eased visiting arrangements as soon as possible.
Anyone with a COVID positive test or showing symptoms of coronavirus or if they feel unwell with another illness must not visit our hospitals or wards, even if these symptoms are mild or intermittent, due to the risk they pose to others.
The updated visiting arrangements at the Trust’s hospitals are detailed below:
Virtual visiting arrangements
You can drop off belongings for inpatients, virtual video call, connected hearts, and we have a’thinking of you’ letter service for relatives/friends to email a letter to their loved ones who are inpatients in our hospitals. Click here to find out more.
Maternity ward visiting
Please see information in the table below or access the maternity website page for this information
Visiting arrangements at Hereford County Hospital – updated 03/11/21
| Paediatrics – County Hospital | One parent or carer can be present at all times and coronavirus testing is in place as per local policy. Siblings are not permitted other than in exceptional circumstances |
| Special care baby unit | Parents can be present at all times and coronavirus testing is in place as per local policy. Siblings are not permitted other than in exceptional circumstances |
| Maternity – County Hospital | 1 birth partner can attend delivery suite throughout the stay1 birth partner can attend triage for labour assessment1 birth partner can attend for Induction of labour process between 10am-6pm (if in a side room)On the maternity ward:The nominated support person will need to undergo twice weekly Covid testingThey should not attend if they have Covid symptomsPartners can visit once per day – either between 9am and 2pm, or between 3pm and 8pm |
| County Hospital:Intensive Care Unit, Frome Ward (Covid area), Acute Medical Unit, Orthopaedic unit, GAU (elective surgery area) | Visiting is not currently permitted in these areas – however special arrangements will be made for patients receiving end of life care. Virtual visiting is available in these areas |
| County Hospital: Monnow Ward, Leadon Ward, Redbrook Ward, Wye Ward, Lugg Ward, CCU Ward, Teme Ward, Frome Ward (Covid-free area)Arrow Ward | Visiting is not currently permitted in these areas – however special arrangements will be made for patients receiving end of life care. Virtual visiting is available in these areas |
Community hospital visiting restrictions – 03/11/21
| Site | Time | Max no of visitors per slot |
| Leominster | Visiting is not currently permitted in these areas – however special arrangements will be made for patients receiving end of life care.Virtual visiting is available in these areas | |
| Ross | ||
| Bromyard |
