New stricter rules for Leeds hospitals and limits on visiting patients after sharp rise in Covid admissions

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has introduced strict new limits on patients and visitors after the local lockdown was brought in for Leeds from Saturday, September 26.

The Trust says it has seen a sharp rise in the number of admissions to hospital with Covid-19. Two weeks ago there were just a handful of patients with Covid-19. Now there are 36, with five in intensive care.

A spokesman for the Trust said: "The Trust has continued to see a sharp rise in the number of patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19, with 36 inpatients currently receiving treatment, five of which are in intensive care. Two weeks ago, just a handful of people were in hospital due to covid-19.

"Chief Medical Officer Dr Phil Wood said: “In light of the rising number of cases of covid-19 and the enhanced restrictions being introduced across the city, we’ve taken the decision to reduce visiting to inpatients across our wards. There are a number of exemptions to this and we’ve published information for visitors on our website which explains how to book a visit to a patient.

“We continue to provide services as normal for people in Leeds, whether this is outpatient clinics, diagnostic tests, planned care, or emergency care. Patients can be reassured that we have measures in place to safely deliver their hospital care but they should follow the instructions provided to them by their hospital team.”

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What are the new rules for visiting patients in Leeds hospitals?

The key information for patients and visitors to Leeds Teaching Hospitals is as follows:

Outpatients, day case and planned operations

Patients who have an appointment, day case procedure or operation scheduled should attend as planned, following the instructions provided by their hospital team.

It is very important that patients continue to attend their appointment and measures are in place across the hospitals to enable the safe delivery of care.

Inpatients, maternity and visiting

Visiting will now only be permitted in the following circumstances:

· Patients at the end of their life will be allowed two visitors, if this can be safely accommodated within the ward/area.

· Patients who need help with communication and/or to meet the patients’ health and social care needs may be accompanied in hospital.