Welcome to East Cheshire NHS Trust

Updated Visitor Information – 1^st March 2022

We are pleased to announce that East Cheshire NHS Trust has reintroduced some patient visiting, in line with national guidance. This will be positive news for many patients and their relatives/friends and will take careful management to ensure continued safety. A ward-based appointment system is in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained and advanced booking is essential. Visiting will be limited to one person, per bed, per day via the booking method.

All visiting is with the agreement of the ward manager who has responsibility for overseeing safe practice on the ward. Visitors will be able to book appointments by speaking to the relevant ward directly or via switchboard on 01625 421000.

Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10A at Macclesfield Hospital and Aston Ward at Congleton War Memorial Hospital will be able to receive visitors under the following strict guidelines: 

• Visiting hours will be from 1pm to 6.45pm each day including weekends and bank holidays.
• Each patient may have one named visitor each day.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A maximum of two visitors in each ward bay at any one time.  
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Visitors will be allocated a time slot of 45 minutes which allows for appropriate infection control to be undertaken and enables other patients to receive visitors.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Visitors must practice good hand hygiene and wear a face covering or mask at all times.
• Visitors must not attend if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Unfortunately children will not be permitted to visit the ward area.
• Specific arrangements will be put in place directly with regards to visiting the Children’s Ward.

If your relative is on any other ward, please contact them through the ward phone number or switchboard on 01625 421000 to discuss this with the ward directly.

We would like to thank all staff, patients and relatives for their continued cooperation and understanding at this time.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme – What You Need to Know

Go to gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about coronavirus and access an online service that can tell you if you need medical help. 

Face masks

We want you to feel safe when you attend any of our hospital or community sites. Anyone visiting one of our hospitals, clinics or community facilities must wear a face mask. This is to help protect patients, staff and visitors and to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Please be advised that cotton face coverings must not be worn when entering clinical areas. Please could all staff, visitors and contractors wear the surgical masks provided on entering clinical and treatment areas unless exempt. Thank you for your cooperation.