Visiting restrictions from 31 December 2021

Visiting update- 31 December 2021

The health, wellbeing and safety of all our people, including patients and colleagues continues to be our top priority. We have therefore taken the difficult decision to suspend visiting at the hospital from today, Friday 31 December.

We’ve taken this decision to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being introduced into the hospital environment at a time when infections in the community are rising rapidly.

In the following limited circumstances visiting will be possible by arrangement with our wards:

• Patients who are in the last days of life.
• A birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour & also for antenatal birthing scans.
• Patients with a learning disability or autism, where not having visitors will cause the patient distress.
• Parents or guardians supporting children in our paediatric wards or neonatal units (not siblings)

Outside of these exceptions if not allowing a visit would significantly impact on the welfare of a patient we will review requests on a case by case basis.

If you are visiting, please continue to make an appointment with the ward and take a lateral flow test before arriving.

Only patients can attend A&E, except in exceptional circumstances is it vital to the wellbeing of the patient they are accompanied, for example supporting a patient with learning difficulties.

We will be reintroducing virtual visiting facilities in place at both our hospitals so that people can talk to their relatives and see them using computer tablets.  Details are available here

We apologise for having to take this step as we are fully aware of the impact suspending visiting has on our patients and those close to them.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.