Hospital Visitors Still Abusing Staff Over Masks Rule

Thursday, 31 March 2022 07:34

Staff at Jersey's General Hospital are still being abused by some visitors who refuse to wear a mask.

The hospital had to close to most visitors at the start of this year because a small number of people came in with Covid symptoms.

Visits were reinstated a couple of weeks later, but with strict rules aimed at protecting patients.

Despite asking for cooperation several times already, the government says it's still having issues with 'a small minority' of people not wearing a mask and and verbally abusing staff when they are challenged.

Chief Nurse Rose Naylor says such behaviour will not be tolerated:

“We still have to be mindful of the overall footfall in the inpatient areas of our hospital sites and understand people want to visit.

We welcome visitors and know the benefit their visits bring to people when they are unwell, but need to keep numbers under control at this time as COVID continues to circulate in the community.

We do ask in return that people treat our staff with respect and are grateful to the majority of visitors who comply with the policy.

I am sure everyone would agree however that it is unacceptable for anyone to be abused in the course of their work and as such, it will not be tolerated.”

The rules:

Anyone visiting the hospital and all Health and Community Services sites must wear a mask while visiting, at all times.

Patients will be asked to name a maximum of two relatives or friends for visits ( unless in exceptional circumstances)

One named visitor can attend for each visitor session only

Patients who are Covid-positive cannot have visitors, unless there are exceptional circumstances. This is decided on a case by case basis in discussion with the clinical staff.