Visits to all Morecambe Bay hospitals have immediately been stopped for at least two weeks due to rising coronavirus levels in the community although visits will still be allowed for children, patients with dementia and those receiving end of life care.
Senior management at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) said they had taken the decision following consultations with other local hospitals.
Sue Smith OBE, Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive of UHMBT, announced that visits to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Furness General Hospital in Barrow and Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal will still be allowed for children, patients with dementia and those receiving end of life care. A visitor is allowed if supporting a patient with dementia, a learning disability, autism, or something where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.
Commenting about the visiting restrictions she said: “We know that visiting is extremely important for the recovery of patients, but we have to keep our patients and colleagues’ safety paramount."
“In agreement with other local hospitals, we regret the need to suspend the visiting arrangements we have in place for at least two weeks as we are seeing cases in our hospitals and the community rise."
The restriction came into force today (13th July) and will be reviewed in due course.


Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
More gridlocks in Heysham as roundabout resurfacing works 'over-run'

