Patient visits to resume at Lincolnshire community hospitals

Family and friends will be able to see their loved ones staying in Lincolnshire’s four community hospitals when patient visiting resumes on July 1.

The Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) is the primary community healthcare provider in the county and runs facilities in Louth, Skegness, Gainsborough and Pinchbeck.

In March, the trust made the decision to suspend visiting arrangements with immediate effect, but they will resume again from Wednesday.

All visitors will be required to book an appointment in advance by contacting the ward clerk before visiting the impatient wards at:

• John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough (call 01427 816500)
• County Hospital in Louth (call Archer Ward and Assessment Centre on 01507 600 100, ext 1345 or 1311)
• Skegness Hospital (call 01754 762401 and ask for the Gloucester Ward or Scarborough Ward clerk)
• Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding (call 01775 652000 and ask for the Welland Ward clerk)

Visitors will be strictly limited to one per patient and a maximum of two visitors in each hospital bay.

This approach will help make sure wards do not become overcrowded to maintain social distancing requirements.

Visitor guidance

In line with national guidance and to minimise the risk of transmitting coronavirus, all visitors will be expected to do the following:

• Wear a new, appropriate face covering on arrival at the hospital and not to touch their face or mouth during the visit. Free face coverings will be available on arrival for visitors who do not have one
• Clean their hands on arrival to the hospital entrance using the hand sanitiser provided
• Follow all temporary floor markings to safely guide them around the hospital site
• Remain behind any screens to protect patients and visitors
• Follow social distancing guidelines between them and patients, visitors and hospital staff
• Remove their face covering on leaving the hospital and dispose of it safely using the bins provided

Family and friends unable to visit can still get in touch using the ‘Contact your Loved Ones’ service by emailing [email protected]

Visiting guidelines will be reviewed and updated in line with any future government guidance.

Tracy Pilcher, Deputy Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: “I’d like to thank patients and their loved ones for their support during the lockdown when visiting was suspended for all but those patients with end of life conditions.

“It’s very positive news that we are now able to reopen Community Hospital visiting.

“We ask for patients families and friends to support our safety first approach by booking a time slot to ensure we can maintain effective social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus to often very vulnerable people receiving our care.”