Visiting update 07.04.2022

Visiting restrictions: Visiting restrictions in our hospital will remain in place and we will continue to review these in line with the current COVID situation in our hospital and the county. Visiting for those patients who are receiving end of life care will be more flexible and discussed on a case-by-case basis with the ward teams. We have updated our restrictions to relect changes to testing.

Visitors to all areas must:

• · Complete a welfare check of symptoms on arrival
• · Wear a mask when in the hospital and during visiting
• · Visitors must clean their hands

Visiting on adult wards:

• Visiting to adult wards must be pre-booked with the ward in advance
• One visitor will be permitted for 45 minutes per day

Visiting to Critical Care and Talbot Butler:

• Visiting will need to be pre-booked with the ward and will be at the ward managers discretion
• Visitors will be asked to complete a lateral flow test before coming onto the ward. This will be supplied by the hospital

Visiting on paediatric wards:

• One resident parent may stay with their child for the duration of their stay. This visitor will be offered lateral flow testing on day 1, 3 and 5 of the stay which will be provided by the ward. Parents or guardians may swap once during the child's stay.
• A consistent second parent or guardian may also visit for 2 hours per day subject to admission screen. This visitor will be asked to complete a symptom checker prior to visiting. This will be provided by the ward.
• A second parent or guardian may also visit for 2 hours per day. This visitor will be asked to complete a lateral flow test prior to visiting. This will be provided by the ward

Visiting on our neonatal ward:

• Two parents or guardians are able to visit any time on the neonatal ward
• The parents or guardians will be asked to complete lateral flow testing twice weekly. These will be provided by the ward.
• Siblings are not able to visit at the current time

Visiting on maternity wards:

• Women and birthing people will be asked to complete a test on arrival
• Birth partners will be tested on arrival to the hospital during labour
• Birth partners are able to visit the post-natal wards. Please contact the ward on the day for times and visiting guidance.
• We will ask that birth partners have a test tested when visiting

Visiting to antenatal appointments and ultrasound scans:

• Visitors will no longer need to show a negative lateral flow test
• One birth partner will be able to visit during appointments
• Visitors must wear a face mask and social distance

Outpatient visiting:

• Where possible patients should not bring a visitor with them to an outpatient appointment
• Visiting will be permitted for those who need additional support from a visitor during their visit
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask and may be asked to wait in another area depending on social distancing

Emergency Department visiting:

• Where possible patients should not bring a visitor with them to the Emergency Department
• Visiting will be permitted for those who need additional support from a visitor during their visit
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask and may be asked to wait outside or in another area depending on social distancing. If the department is busy we may not be able to facilitate visiting.

Supporting our patients and their loved ones: When patients come into hospital or change between wards and departments, our team will make sure they consider reasonable adjustments for those patients who have additional needs such as dementia, learning disabilities or autism. 

• We have visiting restrictions in place, however wards and departments should always be reviewing patients and supporting any of those with additional needs ensuring reasonable adjustments are in place as required. Wards and departments have the flexibility to support patients and their carers as defined in the visiting policy and carers policy
• These adjustments should be reviewed on an individual basis based on the needs of the patient at the time. If you have any concerns please speak to the ward or department manager

If visitors have lateral flow tests available, we would always advise people to complete testing for their own safety and the safety of others.

If you do visit the hospital please make sure you make sure you wear a face covering or mask.

The guidance may change at any time depending on our local COVID-19 situation and hospital response.