Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust outlines visiting and maternity rules under new Tier 3 lockdown

Nottinghamshire entered the ‘very high’ level restrictions at 00.01am today (Friday, October 30) – which restricts residents across the county from mixing with different households indoors or in private gardens and most outdoor venues.

The Trust which is made up of King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton, Mansfield Community Hospital and Newark Hospital confirmed they would continue their compassionate visiting policy, which restricts the number of people attending their hospitals.

In an open letter, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Richard Mitchell said “wherever appropriate, all inpatients may have a visitor.”

One visitor will continue to be allowed to attend 12 and 20 week maternity scan appointments at the three hospitals.

Women can also be allowed to be accompanied when they go into labour and have a birthing partner who can visit the maternity ward afterwards.

The Trust said they are “regularly reviewing our services and policies, but at the moment the Tier 3 restrictions do not mean further changes to our hospitals.”

Chief executive Richard Mitchell added: “We entered the very high Tier 3 restrictions this morning.

"We recognise this is a challenging and worrying time for all of us and we would like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything we can to continue to maintain our services whilst responding to Covid.

"As I have previously shared, the emotional impact of Covid will be felt by all of us and we take seriously our responsibility to look after the physical and mental wellbeing of colleagues and patients.

"Consistently treating others with respect and kindness makes a big difference.”

King’s Mill Hospital, Mansfield Community Hospital and Newark Hospital remain open for all patients who need treatment and anyone who has an emergency should visit the Emergency Department for urgent care.

The Trust’s Urgent Care Centre at Newark is open from 9am to 9:30pm for any injuries that are urgent but not life threatening.

Anyone who needs urgent medical help but is not in an emergency is encouraged to contact the NHS by calling 101.

Residents have been encouraged to help the three Nottinghamshire hospitals while they cope with the second wave of coronavirus, by following the new lockdown restrictions and regularly washing their hands, wearing a face covering and social distancing.

People with Covid-19 symptoms and those who have been told to self-isolate are also told not to visit any of the Trust’s hospitals as this increases the risk of infections among staff and patients.

The chief executive continued: “I believe we are making the right decisions based on the evidence available but I do recognise these changes will impact on you and I am sorry for this.

"These are difficult times but we will get through this as a community if we work together to help and protect each other.

"Please stay safe, look after each other and follow the guidelines.

"Thank you for your support.”

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