Visits to Leighton Hospital Suspended

Leighton Hospital – Courtesy of Cheshire Live

Visiting has been suspended at Leighton Hospital with immediate effect until further notice in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Crewe hospital has put restrictions in place following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Four people in their 60s and 70s, all with underlying health conditions, have passed away while being treated at the hospital after contracting the disease.

And Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – which runs Leighton Hospital, the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford – has now suspended visiting with immediate effect.

Only three exceptional circumstances where one visitor, an immediate family member or carers, is allowed have been outlined.

These are the patient you wish to visit receiving end of life care, being the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour, or if a visitor is the parent or appropriate adult visiting a child.

Those intending to visit are being advised contact the ward or department in advance to discuss arrangements.

An updated statement on the trust's website read: "Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, like the whole NHS, is working to help respond safely to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

"Following national guidance we are putting temporary restrictions in place for patient visitors and will be asking the public to consider other ways of keeping in touch, such as phone calls.

"Visiting is suspended with immediate effect and until further notice.

"Your health, safety and wellbeing, that of our patients, communities and individuals and teams across the organisation remain our absolute priority.

"Please find other ways of keeping in touch with your loved ones in hospital, like phone and video calls.

"Everyone should follow the expert national guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, staying at home wherever possible, to help limit the spread of coronavirus, protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and our NHS.

"Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time.

"You are also reminded to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze."

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cheshire East topped the 100 mark this week and reached 111 yesterday. Details of COVID-19 cases in Cheshire and surrounding counties are updated daily on our COVID-19 STATISTICS page.