Deputy Director of nursing and midwifery Sarah Merit at the Royal United Hospital urges people to continue to follow the guidelines in order for the hospital to recover from the pandemic and return to normal.

Freedom is right around the corner, that’s the latest from the government. Restrictions are being lifted in many different sectors. But with every restriction lifted, and every rule changed, we must still exercise caution.

This message of caution comes not only from Downing Street, but is emphasised by Sarah Merit, the Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the RUH. Though things are ‘more settled’ at the RUH, and the number of COVID-19 inpatients has decreased, the hospital must now turn its attention to returning to the standard of general care for outpatients that existed pre-COVID.

Though Sarah is incredibly optimistic for the future of the RUH, she maintains that the government guidance on hand washing, face coverings, and social distancing, must be observed where appropriate to keep the pandemic at bay. 

Observing this guidance when attending the RUH for both medical concerns and visits is of the utmost importance. Safeguarding the hospital from cases of COVID-19 is essential to ensure the RUH can provide the best possible care to its patients, and ensure the safety of its dedicated, hardworking, and talented staff.

The RUH are consistently reviewing their policy on visitors and will inform the public of any changes to visiting rules. 

Words by Jonathan R Parsonage