Bexhill Hospital

Protecting our patients and those who care for them is our top priority during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

We encourage safe, Covid secure visiting at Bexhill Irvine Unit, Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne DGH, Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital. All inpatient visiting must be prearranged and is at the discretion of the nurse in charge. Visiting may be restricted in certain circumstances.

Contact the ward directly to book a visit and for up-to-date information. Tel: 0300 131 4500 and ask for the ward you wish to visit or go to our wards at Conquest Hospital page or wards at Eastbourne DGH page where some individual ward direct dial numbers are available.

Lateral Flow Testing

We would strongly encourage visitors undertake a lateral flow test no more than 72 hours prior to each visit which shows a negative Covid-19 test result. Please see link below on how to get a lateral flow test kit.

Regular rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you do not have symptoms – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Please follow the link to the lateral flow instructions which is also available different languages, easy read and large print

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/instructions-for-covid-19-self-test

Visiting inpatients and wards

Visiting is welcomed in inpatient settings, in a very careful and Covid-secure way. In general this means:

• one visitor is allowed per day, for one hour
• all visiting must be pre-booked in advance with the ward
• Visiting allowed between 10.00hrs to 19.00hrs

Visiting patients at the end of their life or patients prior to ventilation

We support compassionate visiting for those receiving end of life care and patients prior to ventilation. In general this means:

• One visitor is permitted at a time, unless they need assistance
• All visiting must be pre-booked in advance with the ward

Accompanying Diagnostics, Outpatients and Emergency Department patients

• Where possible, to allow for adequate social distancing in waiting areas, we encourage patients to come alone
• If necessary, patients may be accompanied, to help support with care requirements, mental health issues,  dementia, a learning disability or autism

Supporting children

• One parent/guardian at a time to be with the child as agreed with ward staff unless there are custody arrangements in place or a specific court order/schedule

Maternity

• Those in labour can be accompanied by one asymptomatic supporting person throughout their time on the labour ward
• Visiting for the supporting person only is now a 4 hour pre-booked slot on the antenatal, postnatal wards and EMU
• One supporting person can attend all pregnancy scans

Face Coverings and masks

• All visitors must always wear a face covering, including when entering and moving through the buildings
• Visitors will be asked to wear a surgical face mask if they are visiting a patient with suspected or known Covid-19
• All patients are required to wear a surgical face mask

General

• Please enter and leave through the main hospital entrance only
• All visitors must be Covid-19 symptom free and not be self-isolating
• All visitors must regularly wash their hands or use the hand sanitiser provided, keep their distance and follow the signs
• Please bring as few bags, coats and other loose belongings with you as possible
• You may be asked to leave the ward during your visit. This may be because your relative or another patient requires treatment or if an emergency occurs

We recommend that you use digital services such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp to stay in touch with loved ones during their hospital stay. We have tablets (with Zoom available) on our wards for use by patients who do not have a smartphone or other mobile device.

All visitors must be Covid-19 symptom free and not be self-isolating.

All visitors need to adhere to Hands, Face, Space. Please wear a face covering for the duration of their visit, make sure you regularly wash your hands and keep your distance and follow the signs. Please also remember:

• You should not come into hospital if you have Covid-19 symptoms or any health concerns
• If you are in an at-risk group (anyone over 70, who has an underlying health condition, is pregnant or shielding) you are advised not to visit
• Please enter and leave through the main hospital entrance only
• Please bring as few bags, coats and other loose belongings with you as possible
• You may be asked to leave the ward during your visit. This may be because your relative or another patient requires treatment or if an emergency occurs
• Should the person you are visiting test positive for Covid-19 within 48 hours after your visit you will be considered by Test and Trace as a contact and required to isolate for 14 days.

We recommend that you use digital services such as Facetime, Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp to stay in touch with loved ones during their hospital stay, to minimise the risk of spreading or contracting the virus. We have tablets (with Zoom available) on our wards for use by patients who do not have a smartphone or other mobile device.