By Andrea Lewis RRC, Chief Nurse
Due to the increase in cases of Covid-19 and the emergence of the Omicron variant, addition-al visiting restrictions are now in place at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. This is to reduce footfall within our hospital sites and to help minimise the risk of transmission to protect pa-tients and the team. All members of the public, including visitors, must take a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before entering any of our hospital sites. Any patients who have a registered carer may have a daily visit of up to 1 hour. This includes the patient groups of learning difficulties and severe dementia. No children or babies will be allowed. There is one slot available every day for each bed/patient. End of life visits continue to be permitted. There is a dedicated telephone line manned by one volunteer for permitted visitors to book a time to see their loved one. The number is 01932 723318. If any visitors need to book a visiting slot outside of those hours they will need to contact the relevant ward direct. The visitor book-ing line will remain open Monday to Friday, 10:00 – 1600. If you are enquiring about a patient at Ashford Hospital please phone 01784 884488. This situation will be constantly reviewed and further visiting changes may occur depending on Covid-19 incidence within our community and also transmission rates. For up-to-date infor-mation please visit our website, ashfordandstpeters.nhs.net Thanks for your support and cooperation.