Staff at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are urging members of the public to follow hospital COVID-19 guidelines when attending their appointments or receiving care.

Although the UK government lifted most COVID-19 restrictions for the general public earlier this summer, wearing a mask, enhanced hand hygiene and visiting restrictions are still in place within healthcare settings such as hospitals.

Dr Tristan Cope, Medical Director at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “We understand that as a society, we want to get back to the things we all enjoy without the restrictions of the past year. However, in order to keep the most vulnerable in our communities safe and the spread of the virus at a minimum, it is vital that COVID-19 restrictions remain in place in our hospitals. I urge members of the public to respect requests from staff to wear a mask and social distance from others.”

Unless exempt, all patients and visitors to the hospitals must wear a face mask when on site. Masks are available at each of the hospital entrances, and staff are happy to help with any questions. In busy areas such as the Emergency Department, it is particularly important that these guidelines are adhered to, to protect patients and staff.

To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, visiting restrictions remain in place. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an increased security presence on the entrances to the hospitals, ensuring that only those who are a member of staff, have an appointment or are able to visit under exceptional circumstances, are permitted on site.

Dianne Brown, Chief Nurse at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “We understand it is difficult to be separated from loved ones during these uncertain times. However, the health, safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff across the organisation remain our absolute priority.

“We thank the public for their continued support and understanding throughout the pandemic. Visiting arrangements are reviewed on a regular basis, and the Trust will reintroduce wider visiting as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.”

Further information on how patients and their loved ones can be supported whilst visiting restrictions are in place is available on the Liverpool University Hospitals website.