A Stockport woman whose husband died of Covid has told of her heartache at being unable to visit him in hospital.
Janet Mason said she couldn't see her beloved partner "until it was too late" due to strict coronavirus rules last year.
She’s one of thousands who were unable to say goodbye to loved ones dying in hospital at the height of the pandemic.
The support worker described her agony in the wake of Stepping Hill hospital restricting visitors for two weeks due to rising Covid cases.
Janet, from Bredbury, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s very close to me and I would hate for people to go through what my family and I had to go through.
"We couldn’t visit at all until it was too late, so that’s something that will always stay with me. But it’s so difficult.”
Hospital bosses have said the fortnight of restrictions are in place until November 17 to protect staff, patients, and the local community.
It means family members will only be able to visit patients in exceptional circumstances from November 3.
Stockport's latest infection rate is 439.2 cases per 100,000 people - down 15 per cent on last week.
“I mean, I know to keep the number of cases down they need to do something, but I don’t know,” Mason, who lost her husband 12 months ago, said.
“I think they probably could’ve put in other measures before this.”
A spokesperson for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: "Visiting for inpatients at Stepping Hill Hospital has been temporarily reduced in line with national guidance due to the high local number of Covid cases.
"Visitors can still be allowed on exceptional and compassionate grounds, and this will include patients near the end of life, patients who require carers, and other cases at the discretion of our ward staff."
The Manchester Evening News spoke to Stockport residents about their views on Stepping Hill’s visitor restrictions.
Lloyd Nolan, 36, Bredbury
Lloyd Nolan is another of the thousands who were unable to visit loved ones in hospital last year.
He said: “My mum died in hospital last year and I wasn’t allowed to see her, I think it’s disgraceful.”
Lloyd had to go to Stepping Hill hospital recently, and said he felt unclear about the rules.
He was told his carer was not allowed in with him, but said he saw others walking around as couples.
Lloyd has autism spectrum disorder, and said he thought the hospital should have the severity of his condition logged in order to allow him to come in with his carer.
He told the M.E.N that he didn’t understand what was said to him in the room because he didn’t have anyone there to help him.
“I thought it was pretty disgraceful because what was said to me in the room I didn’t understand, so I walked away knowing less.”
A spokesperson for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said outpatient appointments are not affected and any patient who requires a carer present can still have them as usual.
Philip Ryder, 66, Offerton
Philip Ryder, from Offerton, said he thought the measures were necessary.
“Well, obviously with the Covid it’s got to be done, hasn’t it. It’s just a shame that we’re back in the same position that we were a few months ago,” he told the M.E.N.
“Any action to stop the pandemic will be good for the town.”
Philip said he would still support the measure if he had a relative in the hospital.
“Yes, because it’s for their benefit as much as everybody else’s. It’s a shame you can’t get to see them, but that’s par for the course isn’t it really.”
Magda Smith, 31, Hazel Grove
Magda Smith, a data analyst from Hazel Grove, had a baby four months ago.
She said she could not have done it without her husband by her side.
Magda told the M.E.N: “Obviously Covid rates are going up and that’s not good, but at the same time I just feel sorry for people who can’t have visitors at the moment.
"I’m sure it’s very hard, especially on pregnant women or other very ill patients.
“I believe in mask wearing and all the precautions, but maybe this is a little bit premature. I’m not a doctor, though, so I don’t know the whole situation.”
Joan Beard, 73, Hazel Grove
Joan Beard, who is classed as clinically vulnerable to Covid, said she supports the measures Stepping Hill have put in place.
“I think it’s a good idea if they close it for visitors,” she said.
“I was in last year, I didn’t have any visitors. It’s not nice, but it’s safe in a place that you need to be safe.
"I’m vulnerable, so I think it’s something that people have to be aware of.”
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “This decision has not been made lightly and we recognise that this may cause distress for patients and their families.
“Exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds, on a case by case basis. These visits must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge. The safety of our patients, staff and the local community is a priority.
“The current suspension is for a two week period and starts on Wednesday 3rd November. This will be reviewed regularly and we will keep the public informed of any changes that occur.
“We thank everyone for their patience and support during this continuing difficult time.
“For further information see our visitor information page .”
What do you think of Stepping Hill’s visitor restrictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
