Hartlepool hospital trust suspends visiting as coronavirus crisis continues

In a statement, the North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals Foundation Trust, which operates the University Hospitals of Hartlepool and North Tees, said: "As a responsible Trust, we cannot compromise the safety of staff and patients.

"In order to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection to patients and to staff, the Trust has taken the difficult but necessary decision to restrict hospital visits.

Visits will only be permitted for the following:

*One parent/carer per child for appointments, accident and emergency and visits

*Parents only at the Neonatal Unit

*One birthing partner

In exceptional circumstances, such as end-of-life care, visitors should speak to the ward matron.

County Durham and Darlington NHS trust, which operates Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, as well as community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, and Sedgefield, has also introduced restrictions.

Executive Director of Nursing Noel Scanlon, said, “We’ve taken this decision to protect our patients many of whom are elderly and already very ill, and our staff who need to be well to care for our patients.

Only the following visitors will be permitted:

 One parent or legal guardian on children’s wards

 One birthing partner in maternity units

 Patients receiving end of life care, at the discretion of the ward Sister

The changes come after South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust introduced similar restrictions yesterday.