Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NHS is “rallying the troops” for the war on coronavirus, with volunteers being called up to help vulnerable people stay safe and well at home. The nation is looking for up to 250,000 volunteers to help up to 1.5 million people who have been asked to shield themselves from coronavirus because of underlying health conditions.

Given the latest instructions from the government to stay at home to combat the coronavirus epidemic, we are working hard to comply by ensuring we reduce the number of non-essential medical appointments. With immediate effect, all non-essential outpatient appointments will be stood down and your appointment will undergo a clinical review by the appropriate specialist.

Following the changes implemented by the Government last night we have had to review our maternity visiting restrictions – this will take immediate effect. Unfortunately women will need to attend alone for all antenatal, postnatal and ultrasound scan appointments either in the hospital or in a community setting. One birth partner will be permitted only

We continue to take all necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. To reduce the risk to patients, staff and any visitors and maintain the Government’s direction on social isolation, from 7pm this evening (23 March 2020) no visiting will be allowed at the RDE unless there are: Specific

To protect patients and staff during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we will be closing all catering outlets at RD&E, including the Oasis canteen, to patients and visitors with immediate effect in line with today’s announcement by the Prime Minister. We are sorry for the inconvenience. A takeaway service will be available from the Savours Café.

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister that the public are being asked to avoid non-essential contact with other people, we have taken the decision that all non-essential outpatient appointments are likely to be stood down over the next few days, to comply with this approach. Please continue to attend appointments unless you are notified.

As part of our continued actions to protect the community regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and to keep the hospital running we would respectfully request that you consider the changes we are making to members of the public visiting patients in the Trust. In order to reduce the footfall to keep the virus away from the hospital