We are asking people to take a lateral flow test before visiting our hospitals. It comes as we step up measures to curb rising COVID admissions.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust will need visitors to take a test and provide evidence of a negative result.
This will be for any visitors to its sites at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
It comes as the NHS across the country experiences rising number of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.
Rebecca Denton-Smith is an infection, prevention and control nurse at our Trust. She said: “We want to do everything we can to ensure patients can still be visited by their loved ones.
“In order to do that and in light of a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions, we are asking for our community’s support.
“Anyone visiting hospital is asked to order and to take a lateral flow test – providing evidence of a negative result when visiting the ward.
“This will help lower any chances of transmission – protecting our patients and our staff.
“Thank you to our community for their continued support.”
Any visitors to any of the Trust’s buildings must also wear a mask unless they are exempt from doing so. These are available at reception areas.
To make a visiting appointment, ring the main switchboard number on 01642 617617 and ask for the ward area.
To order lateral flow tests, please visit gov.uk.