Bolton Hospital stops visiting hours on two cardiology…

Bolton Hospital stops visiting hours on two cardiology wards after covid outbreaks

Patients on two cardiology wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital will not be able to have visitors after both wards had covid outbreaks.

Visiting has been paused on ward C1 and CCU, the coronary care unit, for the foreseeable future. The wards were two of three areas in the hospital that had opened back up for visitors, with people able to book slots to see patients staying there or in ward H3, the stroke unit.

Restrictions on visitations had to be put in place at the hospital during the most recent wave of Covid-19, with restrictions only lifted again at the end of February. Although "Plan B" restrictions have been lifted across the country, Royal Bolton Hospital has continued to ask visitors to wear a mask and socially distance where possible.

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Although only one ward is currently open for visitors, the team at the hospital are still working to ensure visitation is possible in other areas when necessary, including families of people receiving end of life care being able to visit their loved ones before they pass, making it even more important to protect staff, patients, and visitors from Covid-19. Visitors have been asked to, where possible, wear masks, show a negative lateral flow test before visiting, and stay away from the hospital if they have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last ten days.

A statement from Bolton NHS Foundation Trust about the latest change read: "We're having to pause visits on C1 and CCU due to Covid outbreaks on the wards. As we safely return to normal it means we have to be flexible, which might mean things change. You can help us on our sites by: taking a test, social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands."

Speaking at the start of the month when visiting was reintroduced, Richard Catlin, deputy director of infection, prevention and control, said: “I understand how important it is for families and friends to be able to offer their support if a loved one in a hospital. That’s why we are very pleased to be able to ease some of the measures that were in place.

“Safety remains a top priority as we re-open the doors to our wards, so we are asking patients to book their slots, and follow our COVID-19 protocols when on site. I would like to thank our staff and the local community for their understanding and support in helping us through what has been another difficult period.”

The Trust hopes to expand visiting to include other areas of the hospital as soon as possible, and will reopen the two closed wards to visitors when it's safe to do so. Visit the Royal Bolton Hospital website for the latest news and guidelines for visitors.