Walsall hospital staff self-isolating after Covid outbreak
Staff at Walsall Manor Hospital have been sent home to self-isolate after contracting Covid-19.
Officials confirmed that “a very small number” of staff have tested positive for the virus. They have moved to reassure members of the public that services at the site remain “open, available and safe”.
The Express & Star understands that concerns were initially raised with bosses following claims that some staff were ignoring social distancing rules during rest breaks.
The Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has not confirmed how many staff are affected.
Trust spokeswoman Jayne Ilic, said: “A very small number of staff have tested positive for Covid-19.
"All appropriate action has been taken to ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues and we would like to reassure our community that our services remain open, available and safe.”
The hospital’s emergency department is currently open to patients but temporarily closed to non-essential visitors.
Coronavirus cases have continued to rise in Walsall and neighbouring authorities in recent weeks, prompting council chiefs to warn residents of the high probability of additional lockdown restrictions being imposed.
