Due to the current risks associated with COVID-19, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is temporarily restricting access to its hospitals in Lancaster, Barrow and Kendal.
With effect from 7am tomorrow (Wednesday 1 April), there will only be a small number of entrances (Controlled Access Points) at each hospital where staff and patients can gain access. There will be a security presence on each point to allow only appropriate access.
‘Foluke Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer, UHMBT, said: “As we enter the next phase of our preparations to respond to COVID-19, we now need to ensure we manage all entry points to the hospital buildings.
“This is a required measure to ensure we can control access to our buildings to minimise the risk of spread of infection and stop access to people who do not need to be here.”
At the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, the Controlled Access Points will be:
- Rear door on Centenary Building adjacent to the restaurant entrance (staff only)
- Medical Unit 1 front door (staff only)
- Medical Unit 2 front door (staff only)
- Centenary Building main entrance (patients and staff)
- Women's unit entrance (patients and staff)
At Furness General Hospital, the Controlled Access Points will be:
- Rear doors adjacent to the Stores Department (staff only)
- Education Centre entrance (staff only)
- Main entrance (patients and staff)
- South Lakes Birth Centre entrance (patients and staff)
At Westmorland General Hospital, the Controlled Access Points will be:
- Rear entrance from lower car park (staff only)
- Main entrance (staff only)
- Outpatients door (patients and staff)
Staff will need to show valid UHMBT ID in order to gain access.
‘Foluke, continued: “The situation will be regularly reviewed and we will step these measures down at the earliest opportunity. However, at this time these are essential to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and staff. We would like to thank our staff and the public for their continued support and cooperation as we deal with this difficult situation.”
No-one should visit any health and care settings if they: are unwell (especially if they have a high temperature or a new, persistent cough); are vulnerable as a result of their medication; have a chronic illness; or are over 70 years of age.
If they do feel unwell, they can use the NHS 111 online service for the latest advice and guidance. The latest guidance is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-informationfor-the-public and the online NHS 111 service can be accessed at https://111.nhs.uk/.