Coronavirus concerns lead Manchester hospital to ban visits
Bosses at Stepping Hill in Stockport suspend friends and family for a fortnight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Visits have been banned at a Greater Manchester hospital amid growing concern once more over coronavirus rates.
Bosses at Stepping Hill in Stockport have suspended friends and family seeing patients for a fortnight as they battle with rising Covid-19 numbers.
But they said that exceptions on compassionate grounds would be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Infection rates in Stockport currently stand at 439.5 cases per 100,000 people. While that is slightly down on last week, it is still above the national average of 416.2. Three people died with the illness in the town in the last week.
In a statement, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the facility, said the decision to halt visits had “not been made lightly” but was necessary.
They said: “Due to the challenges associated with the Covid-19 infection rate at Stepping Hill Hospital and the local community, the decision has been made to once again postpone routine hospital visiting.
“This decision has not been made lightly and we recognise that this may cause distress for patients and their families.
“Exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds, on a case by case basis. These visits must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge. The safety of our patients, staff and the local community is a priority.
“The current suspension is for a two-week period and starts on Wednesday 3 November. This will be reviewed regularly and we will keep the public informed of any changes that occur.”
It is not the first hospital to take the action in recent days. On Wednesday, hospitals across Norfolk – including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital – announced they were suspending visits to inpatient wards in a bid to reduce potential Covid-spread.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments