Closure of wards at Poole Hospital 

There are a number of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 at Poole Hospital. This means that we have had to temporarily close Kimmeridge and Lytchett wards. Visiting is restricted in these areas and to isolated patients who are receiving treatment for Covid-19. Covid-19 is highly infectious, so controlling visitors helps us to prevent further people becoming infected. Also, by reducing the number of people within the ward, our ward staff can focus on the extra needs of the patients and undertake additional cleaning during this time.

We understand closing wards to visitors may cause additional distress and our staff will help family and friends stay in touch with their loved ones through alternative means. These include using an ipad to video call the patient, dropping off letters or packages and arranging phone calls. Please contact the ward for further details. For other enquiries, our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can also be contacted here.

As Covid infections continue to rise in the community, we urge that anyone with symptoms, including a temperature, cough or loss of sense of smell or taste, does not come into our hospitals but follows public guidelines. We are working with our partners to help reduce the spread of this infection, and encourage the public to observe all measures they are asked to.