Update from Debbie Fleming

At the start of the second lockdown, our chief executive Debbie Fleming explains what we are doing at University Hospitals Dorset to help prevent the spread of infection. She outlines how we can help loved ones communicate with patients and also highlights the support that is available for our staff in these challenging times.

Covid-19 - how you can help us

Paula Shobbrook, chief nursing officer and director for infection prevention and control at University Hospitals Dorset, and Nicky Lucey, chief nursing officer and director for infection prevention and control at Dorset County Hospital, said:

“To support your hospitals to meet the challenges that Covid-19 faces, and as we see increasing numbers of patients with the virus, we encourage all our communities to play their parts too.

“Washing hands, covering your face and observing the 2m guidance are tangible ways we can all make a difference.

“The public should be assured that we have carefully rehearsed plans in place to manage increasing numbers of patients, as well as greater staff absences, every winter.

“This year these plans take account of Covid-19, for example by creating Covid and non-Covid clinical wards and areas, which will reduce the risk of transmission within the hospital, increased intensive care equipment, beds and staffing, and the training of more staff in infection control and PPE practices.

“Unless otherwise informed, you should continue to attend appointments and procedures, and take heed of the infection control guidance in your letter and visible across our hospitals.

“We will continually review our routine activity to ensure it does not impact on our ability to provide very urgent care to those that need it. We do not take the decision to postpone planned care lightly, and will only do so after a thorough assessment of the position and the impact on patient care.

“We will of course keep the public updated through our website and social media channels with the very latest advice and guidance.  

“By working together this winter, we can protect each other and save lives.”

Covid-19 visiting restrictions

With the emergence of the omicron variant, we regret that visiting restrictions have been further restricted. We need to reduce the number of people visiting our hospitals which will help us maintain social distancing and ensure we are protecting our staff, patients and their families as best as we can. We understand this can be difficult but it is essential to slow the spread of the infection.

Maternity restrictions from 12 April: Our maternity restrictions are different and can be viewed here.

Please note: The restrictions around attending outpatient appointments haven't changed. Patients should continue to attend appointments alone if possible and follow the guidance here.

We also have other ways to help you keep in touch with your loved ones while they're in hospital. Find out more here.

From Monday 8 March:

Freemasons support NHS heroes

L-R: Denis Jordan, Senior Warden and Charity Steward, Leon Whitfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leanne Aggas, Head of Nursing and Quality Medical Care Group, and Chris Lockwood, South West Area Chairman.

21 local Masonic Lodges have shown support for their NHS heroes by donating £12,500 to Bournemouth Hospital Charity's NHS Heroes Appeal.

From cleaners, to catering staff, porters, back office administrators, nurses, health care assistants, registrars, paramedics, Doctors or Consultants – NHS staff have been going above and beyond during this health emergency.

To support NHS staff throughout the pandemic, Bournemouth Hospital Charity set up a staff health and wellbeing fund and encouraged organisations, businesses and individuals across the area to fundraise for this incredible workforce.

The South West Area of Hampshire Freemasons began to receive donations for the Charity after starting a monthly magazine called the 'Lockdown Lowdown', in which they asked if members would like to support the NHS as thank you for everything they have been doing throughout the pandemic.

Leanne Aggas, Head of Nursing and Quality Medical Care Group at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said: 'Coronavirus has made our work more complicated; no one could have predicted this. The generosity of our community has allowed us to provide the big and small things that help make a difference. It also motivates us to get up in the morning, despite the challenges that come with social distancing, self-isolating staff and ensuring the safety of our patients.

'With the pressure on staff coupled with coronavirus restrictions, it makes a difference knowing that you can refer your staff to physiological support if they need someone to talk to, or you can provide them with a wellbeing pack. Thank you for your kindness and for raising so much.'

Karen Smith, Fundraising Manager at Bournemouth Hospital Charity, said: 'This fundraising by the Masonic Lodges has shown incredible initiative. They immediately responded to our call for support in March and have helped provide not only essential items during lockdown for our incredible staff, but also funding towards psychological support for them both now and in the future. Thank you to all of the Lodges that have donated to our appeal.'

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leon Whitfield, said: 'One of the main activities of the Freemasons is our support to charitable causes in the community and during the lockdown our members raised money to support local hospital staff and key workers.

'Promoting health and well-being amongst our members and in the local community is an important part of what we do. We value the chance to provide ongoing support for the work of the hospital to care for our local community.'

Richard Renaut, Chief of Strategy and Transformation at University Hospitals Dorset, said: 'It is wonderful to see local organisations coming together to support their NHS heroes during these exceptional times. Thank you to the South West Area of Hampshire Freemasons for their support.'

Thanks to kind donations and fundraising by the local community, Bournemouth Hospital Charity has worked with the hospital's Organisational Development department to support staff at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals in a number of ways. This has included 546 reusable whiteboards to help staff communicate with patients whilst wearing PPE, thousands of wellbeing packs that included refreshments, sleep masks and hand cream, mindfulness books to promote positive mental health, and access to a psychologist and mental health nurse.

For more information on how Bournemouth Hospital Charity is supporting its NHS heroes, visit BHCharity.org/nhs-heroes/ or call the Charity Office on 0300 019 4060.