On Thursday 30 January, it was confirmed a flight had been arranged to bring around 100 British nationals back to the UK.

Around 100 British citizens will be travelling to the UK from China today (Jan 31). As a precaution they have agreed to remain in isolation for 14 days following their arrival in the UK.

We will be welcoming and housing them in the accommodation block at Arrowe Park Hospital for the duration of that isolation period. Before arrival they will be screened for symptoms. If anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols.

This is a separate building and not a hospital ward. In addition, staff working in the hospital will not, at any time, be in contact with the people in isolation.

All services within our hospital will continue to run as usual, including emergency services, outpatients and planned surgery. If you have an appointment, or a procedure planned at Arrowe Park, please attend as normal.

We are working with other local organisations and our national partners to ensure that any disruption to the day-to-day work of the trust can be minimised and to ensure our patients continue to receive the care and attention they need.

We are incredibly grateful to our staff for their professionalism, and to our community for the support they are providing us to respond to a group of people who have affected by some extraordinary circumstances. It would not be possible for us to offer this small measure of relief to people who are vulnerable, and support to ensure they are properly cared for, without your understanding, and your patience.

Kind regards,

Janelle Holmes,

Chief Executive