Face masks and social distancing to remain at NHS Trust

Face masks and social distancing will remain in place at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust in order to protect staff and patients.

The Trust, which operates City, Sandwell and Rowley Regis Hospitals, Leasowes Intermediate Care Centre, as well as a number of GP surgeries, will expect those who come to its sites to follow the national guidelines for NHS trusts beyond Monday 19 July, when Government restrictions are lifted.

Surgical face masks and hand sanitiser will continue to be available at the main entrances of the Trust’s healthcare sites.

Currently visiting is limited, however one person can accompany a child or baby, a pregnant woman attending an appointment or in labour or those who lack mental capacity. Patients within our community bedded unit at Rowley are also allowed visitors as are end of life care patients.

All visits must be pre-arranged with the wards where the patient is being cared for. This policy will remain in place until further notice.

Chief Nurse Mel Roberts said: “It’s vitally important that we keep our patients, staff and their loved ones safe and by continuing with these restrictions we can reduce the risk of infections. We are treating some of the most vulnerable within our community and their care is our priority.”