Wirral University Teaching Hospital has suspended visiting at its hospitals until further notice, the Trust has announced today.

In recent weeks a pilot was underway to ease visiting restrictions on certain wards at Arrowe Park Hospital. However, due to an increase in prevalence of COVID-19 in the Wirral community and to protect patients and staff, the Trust has had made the decision to suspend visiting at its Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals.

Visiting will still be able to take place in exceptional circumstances such as for patients who are receiving end of life care, have dementia, have a learning disability or where a lack of visiting will be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of a patient.

Hazel Richards, Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “We would like to thank the Wirral community for the way they have responded over the past year and for the support they have given.

“The decision to suspend visiting has not been taken lightly and we realise how difficult it is for families at this time. This is a precautionary measure to protect patients and staff as there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community. The safety of patients and staff remains our priority and we will continue to respond to changes of the pandemic.

“Our Family Support Team are available for anyone who wishes to discuss how to contact a loved one.”

There are separate provisions for Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital to ensure pregnant women are supported. Pregnant women can bring along a support person to the following: the early pregnancy unit; all antenatal scans; other antenatal appointments where the woman considers it is important to have support and as their one birthing partner during labour.

Before visiting, people should contact the appropriate clinical area to discuss arrangements. Visitors who have an arranged visit will be given a visiting pass and will be asked to being with them a time and dated photograph of their most recent COVID-19 home test.

All visitors will be required to wear a fluid repellent surgical face mask upon entry to the hospital, which will be made available upon arrival.

Anyone who is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a change or loss of taste or smell should not attend the hospital. They should book a PCR test and self-isolate.

The Trust’s Family Support Team can help with arranging contact between patients and their loved ones.

To contact the team, call 0151 552 1833 or email wuth.familysupportteam@nhs.net