Coronavirus: Visiting to Queen Alexandra Hospital restricted to one hour per day

Visitors to Queen Alexandra Hospital will only be able to visit between 6pm and 7pm until further notice due to guidance around Covid-19.

A statement from Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust said: ‘We are asking the public to limit visiting Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) and to consider other ways of keeping in touch, like phone calls.

‘From Thursday March 19 and until further notice, visiting is now restricted to one hour per day between 6pm and 7pm. Visitors must be immediate family members or carers.

‘Visitors should not visit any health and care settings (including all inpatient, diagnostic and outpatient areas) if they are unwell, especially if they have a high temperature or a new, persistent cough, vulnerable as a result of their medication, a chronic illness or they are over 70 years of age.

‘Visitors should be limited to one per patient unless the patient is receiving end-of-life care, the visitor needs to be accompanied – accompanying visitors should not stay in patient, ward or communal areas, and this applies to inpatient and outpatient settings or they are a partner and birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour.

‘No children under 12 should be visiting without the ward sister or charge nurse’s prior permission.’

The hospital has confirmed that different rules apply to paediatrics and newborn babies.

In the paediatric department, only one parent or appropriate adult is able to be with their child at any given time and currently no other children will be able to visit.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS