COVID-19 Information

Click on the headers below to view the latest information on face masks and restrictions.

• Face mask Information

  Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, WWL has continued to review the national guidance with regards to appropriate measures to take to protect our patients and staff from infection. The Trust has reviewed the requirement to wear face masks in all patient facing areas, in line with the NHS England guidance. Following this review, the wearing of face masks will no longer be required in non-clinical areas such as corridors or cafes across all WWL sites.   

  Face masks will still be required to be worn in the following clinical areas and for the procedures listed below:

  - In areas where COVID-19 is considered an increased risk, such as during an outbreak or if numbers increase in a specific area. The risk will be considered and specific advice provided to the area.

  Staff and other members of the public may choose to continue to use face masks in and around WWL sites, but this will no longer be mandated, and those Individuals who do continue to wear face masks as personal choice will be supported. Should you wish to wear a face mask, these will be available at main entrances, help desks and ward areas across our sites, and our volunteers will be on hand to help to provide any further assistance you may need. 

  The Trust will continue to monitor the incidence of respiratory infections, i.e. COVID-19 within our local community and will advise if mask wearing is to be reinstated. 

  For more information, visit NHS England » National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England

• Visiting Information

  Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is pleased to return to traditional visiting hours for visitors to see their loved ones during their time in hospital.

  Visiting times for each ward or department are clearly displayed at entrances to the wards and departments and are also available on the Ward and Departments section of the WWL website here.  

  Only two visitors per patient will be permitted to visit at any one time in adult in-patient areas and visitors are asked to wash their hands, use the hand sanitiser provided on entering and leaving the ward.

  Children under the age of 16 years will not be permitted to visit wards unless accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times.

  For outpatient appointments and for those attending WWL’s Emergency Department, only one adult may accompany at any one-time. This also applies to any child under the age of 16, however, additional attendees will be allowed following risk assessment and the department leader’s discretion.

  In circumstances where End of Life care is being provided, or where the patient has individualised care needs, the Ward Leader or Nurse in Charge will use their discretion with visitor requests.

  Further information about visiting guidelines and extenuating circumstances can be found below.

  Alternative arrangements to traditional times can be arranged with the ward Leader/nurse in charge at their discretion.

  Restrictions to visiting may be put in place at any time based upon the guidance and recommendations of the Infection Prevention and Control Team following national, regional, local and Public Health England visiting guidance.

  To help Trust staff, minimise the risks of healthcare associated infections visitors are asked not to attend if: 

  • They are feeling unwell, including experiencing symptoms such as a persistent dry cough                                           
  • They or any close family member or contact have flu like symptoms.
  • They are currently or have suffered with diarrhoea and or vomiting in the past 48 hours.
  • They have been in contact with anyone with flu like symptoms within the past 72 hours
  • They have an existing medical condition that puts them at risk of infection, for example, those who are immunocompromised because of a condition or treatment

  Exceptional Circumstances

  The Ward Leader /nurse in charge will use their discretion when there are requests to visit patients during certain situations: -      

  • End of Life care
  • Patient has individualised care needs e.g., cognitive impairment, learning disability
  • Where visitors have travelled long distances
  • Where communication cannot be maintained via a telephone for example in the event of hearing impairment where text or specially adopted phones are not possible
  • Where the patient has an informal carer at home and wishes for that support to continue within the hospital setting                  
  • Any circumstances that require special consideration
  • Where Interpreters are required to assist with a patient’s communication needs
• Maternity Visiting

  Please see the Maternity Website Page for up to date information

• Message to my loved one

  We know it can be difficult not being able to see your loved ones while they are in hospital, which is why we have launched our 'message to a loved one' service.

  You can send a message to the following email address: MyMessageTo.MyLovedOne@wwl.nhs.uk – we can print your message and deliver it to the ward or do our best to find an alternative method to get your message delivered.

• Coronavirus information for the public

  Get NHS advice about COVID-19, including its symptoms, looking after yourself at home, how to avoid catching and spreading it, treatments, vaccinations and long-term effects.

  For further information click here.