Covid-19 (coronavirus): information for patients and visitors

Visiting

Visiting is restricted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Families and friends of patients should not visit hospital other than by arrangement. Visits will be permitted in exceptional circumstances on an individual basis which will be agreed with the nurse in charge of the ward. Separate arrangements will apply to the following areas:

• Maternity and women in labour – one birthing partner per patient
• Child inpatients – one carer per child

If you are patient with special needs (e.g. you have a visual impairment), please call the ward for advice and guidance

For a summary of ward visiting times and ward telephone numbers, please go either the Southport or Ormskirk hospital pages.

Getting in touch with a patient

Our Patient Information and Communication Service is keeping patients and their relatives in touch with each other during the restrictions on visiting.

The call centre number is 01704 704835 or 01704 704836. There is more information here, including how to access our Letter to Loved Ones service.

Should I attend my outpatient appointment?

The Trust is reviewing outpatient appointments based on the specialty and urgency for the patient. Unless you are otherwise contacted please follow the following guidance:

• If you have any symptoms related to Covid-19, which are a high temperature or a new continuous cough, please do not attend. Please call the number on your appointment card or letter
• If your doctor has made any changes to your appointment you should have been contacted by the Trust
• If you have not been contacted by the Trust, please attend as normal

I think I might have a Covid-19 (coronavirus) infection

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• A high temperature
• A new continuous cough
•  A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)​

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service only if:

• You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• Your condition gets worse
• Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Stay At Home advice can be found here

More useful information

• Information for deaf and hard of hearing
• Information for people with learning disabilities
• Guides on social distancing in alternative languages
• Covid-19 guidance in alternative languages
• Guidance for people living with cancer

If you are concerned about Covid-19, there is lots of official information online from the NHS and Public Health England:

• • NHS 111
  • NHS website
  • Public Health England
  • World Health Organisation