Dear all
This is a special edition of H1 to assure patients, visitors and local people, that our hospitals remain open to all patients - whether you have a planned appointment with us or need emergency care in our A&E departments. Sadly, this assurance is needed after a national newspaper published some inaccurate and worrying claims about COVID cases at St Helier Hospital.
Joint Medical Director Dr Ruth Charlton, said: "A small number of people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Renal Department and Intensive Care Unit at St Helier Hospital.
"The safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff is our priority and those who tested positive have been isolated from other patients, with arrangements in place to maintain safe and high-quality care.
"We urge people to attend their planned appointments, and our A&E remains open."
The background to this story is as follows:
- The situation is isolated to the hospital and there is currently no indication of wider community transmission, but we, alongside our partners in the community, will continue to carefully monitor the situation.
- We continue to follow all relevant infection prevention and control guidelines.
- Visiting has been restricted in some areas, to be lifted as soon as clinicians are confident that it is safe for patients and staff.
- The Trust will continue to provide hospital-grade surgical masks at the entrances to our hospitals, and will ask that all visitors wear one throughout their time on site.
Best wishes
Daniel
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