Media Release - visitors to care homes and hospitals to cease

Following the announcement this morning regarding 4 new positive cases of COVID-19 all visits to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Mignot Memorial Hospital, Oberlands, the Lighthouse Wards and Care Homes in the Bailiwick of Guernsey have ceased.

For clarity, with immediate effect:
Care Homes - family and friends visits to cease immediately. This is important to protect the staff and residents. These measures are considered essential and will be kept under constant review. End of life visits will be individually assessed.

Hospice - No routine visiting, but end of life visits will be individually assessed. Where visits can be safely accommodated with appropriate safety measures, then staff may allow it under controlled circumstances.

Hospital - routine visiting is not allowed, but end of life visiting will be looked at on a compassionate case by case basis. Such visits will only be allowed if they can be managed safely. In general even this visiting will be discouraged.

Family and friends should contact Hospital wards and Care Homes for advice about ways to maintain contact with their loved ones, including the delivery of essential supplies & gifts.

Dermot Mullin, Director of Hospital and Adult Community Care Services said:
'I understand that this decision means that family and friends are unable to see their loved ones at this time - some of whom will be extremely poorly or receiving end of life care. This is a decision that has not been taken lightly.

It is important that patients and residents can maintain contact with their friends and family during this difficult time. We are recommending the use of both old and new technology to keep in contact. Exchanging letters or cards with your loved ones is still a great way to keep in touch. Both the hospital and Care Homes can support connection using mobile phones or tablets to enable video and audio calls.'

We know how distressing and difficult being apart from your relatives is for everyone. We will be reviewing this decision in line with Public Health guidance on a very regular basis and ask for your patience as we do what we can to protect you and your loved ones.

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