Elderly patient dies at LRI as hospitals place restrictions on visitor numbers
AN ELDERLY patient who tested positive for coronavirus has died at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The man, who was in his 80s and understood to have had underlying health conditions, died on Thursday, a Leicester’s Hospitals spokesman revealed at the weekend.
The NHS said yesterday there had now been 55 coronavirus deaths in the UK, with the numbers showing a sharp increase over the weekend from Friday’s 11.
Professor Chris Whitty, medical officer for England, chief said:
“I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to Covid19 will be a cause for concern for many.
“The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.”
The news came as NHS bosses moved to restrict visiting to Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital, with immediate effect.
The University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust said it had taken the step to help protect patients, visitors and staff from coronavirus.
Medical Director at Leicester’s Hospitals Andrew Furlong said: “We know the visiting restrictions will be difficult for some. Our staff will be using their discretion on compassionate grounds and in exceptional circumstances to help with this.
“Thank you for helping us to protect and care for patients, visitors and our staff.”
The new restrictions are as follows: ■ Visiting from 6pm-8pm only, with no more than two visitors per patient.
■ No children under 16 to visit.
■ For neonatal and maternity visiting arrangements, visitors are asked to contact the units directly.
■ Discretion will be used for main carers and in exceptional circumstances, including compassionate grounds. Visitors are asked to speak to a member of staff if this applies to them.
The following advice has also been offered to those with appointments at the hospitals or who need to come for emergency care:
■ If you are well, please attend your appointment as usual, unless advised otherwise.
■ If you have a high temperature or persistent cough, do not come to the hospitals. Contact the number on your appointment letter for advice.
■ If you are coming for an outpatient appointment or to the emergency department/clinical decisions unit, do not bring more than one person to accompany you.