Patients and visitors to St Mary’s Hospital no longer have to take a COVID-19 test prior to entering the building or attending an appointment, it has been confirmed.
Up until now, those visiting the hospital for an appointment or to see a loved one have been required to take a lateral flow test and show evidence of this upon arrival. However, with free testing now removed across the country, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has revised the restrictions in place.
The Trust now asks that those who are feeling unwell – including cold and flu-like symptoms, a new cough, a high temperature, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea or vomiting – do not visit until they feel better.
Although the testing requirement has been removed, those attending St Mary’s Hospital are still required to wear face masks and COVID ‘marshalls’ will remain on the entrance doors.
Visiting restrictions are under review, however, they currently remain the same with patients being able to have a daily visitor for up to an hour. This applies to all wards, except the Intensive Care Unit, where the hospital cares for the most vulnerable patients.
Juliet Pearce, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs said:
“Our hospital and community locations look after vulnerable individuals and it is vital that we continue our important infection prevention measures and even more so now that people won’t be able to test so easily. Our frontline staff will continue to test twice weekly to keep those in our care safe.
“We urge the community to continue to follow the important steps of hands, face and space, to protect themselves and others. Those 3 simple steps can prevent illness and transmission.
Article continues below this advertisement “As COVID-19 measures change again, we would like to thank everyone who has followed the guidance and come forward for their vaccinations. Those actions have made a positive difference to our community.”
Masks are compulsory now.should include hospital as NEVER had them pre covid and its just another virus we now live with so choice here is what it should be.you couldnt stop patients getting viruses before so stop the crazy rule
Oh stop whinging for God sake. There are sick and vulnerable people in there. Don’t be so selfish man. At least they are allowing visitors in, but that’s still not enough for some like you.
COVID is still out there and infecting many people on a daily basis. What harm does putting a mask on. It shows consideration for others.
ITS NOT KILLING ANYONE THAT WOULD DIE OF ANY OTHER VIRUS you brainwashed fool
Don’t bother mate, people like that want this to continue forever. People like us want normality.
John, I know ignorance is bliss but could you explain to my friend why she died from covid having no underlying conditions or ‘viruses’ please. Oh, sorry you can’t, she died from covid!
No Mandy, she didn’t. She died because of a thing called old age maybe? It happens.
I have been to 3 Hospital appointments, not once have I been asked above having a test
Unfortunately the woke will insist others bend over backwards for them in every aspect of their life. If it was about health these big boned people would have mandatory jaw wiring…. to keep them safe.