We continue to restrict hospital visiting to protect patients, staff and the community from Covid-19 infection.
The Trust regularly reviews this decision, ensuring we are in line with both regional and national guidance. We will begin gradually easing restrictions when conditions allows.
However, open visiting is still not possible because both hospitals are still admitting patients with Covid-19. However, some patients need the support of friends and relatives. They are:
- Patients whose relatives need to be taught aspects of their care ahead of discharge
- Children who need the support of mum and dad, or their legal guardian
- Patients very close to the end of life
- The partners of mums-to-be
- Patients with dementia, a learning disability, autism or other similar complex condition where not having a familiar face present would cause them distress
Support visits to a general ward must be booked in advance. These are limited to a maximum of an hour and only one visitor is allowed at a time. Separate arrangements are in place for visits to maternity, the children’s ward and spinal injuries.
You must wear a face-covering during your visit unless you have a documented medical exemption. You must also wear gloves and a disposable apron when visiting an inpatient. These are provided by the Trust.
All visitors should provide a same-day lateral flow test for Covid-19. Test kits are available free from local pharmacies as well as online. Anyone testing positive will need to follow up with a PCR test a local testing centre.
On arrival at hospital, visitors’ temperatures will be checked and they will be asked about possible Covid symptoms. Anyone with a raised temperature or Covid symptoms will not be able to visit.
Please do not visit if:
- You are Covid-19 positive or have any Covid-19 symptoms including:
- Fever / high temperature 37.8C or above
- New continuous cough
- Loss / change of sense of taste or smell
- You are isolating as a contact of someone who is Covid-19 positive.
- You have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace to say you are a contact of a Covid-19 positive person.
- You are shielding due to anticipated surgery.
- There are any local or national lockdown restrictions in place in your postcode that would not support you visiting.
- You have returned from a country with quarantine restrictions imposed by the British government.
Patient Property Service
This service will run from Monday-Friday 10:00-300pm from the volunteer’s desk at the main reception areas of both hospital site (excluding weekends and bank holidays)
To use this service please take note of the following process:
- When preparing belongings please ensure you only pack essential items. These include toiletries, a mobile phone, phone charger and clothing items. Please ensure where needed that there are appropriate clothes to support your loved one’s discharge from hospital. You are also welcome to include a letter to your loved one in the bag.
- Please do not pack any valuables but include any items such as dentures, glasses and hearing aids.
- Ensure items are packed in a plastic bag which is closed/sealed.
- Clearly label the bag with the patient’s name and the ward they are on.
- Unless absolutely necessary, only one relative or friend should come into the reception area to bring the bag and they must wear a mask.
- On arrival, please go to the volunteer’s desk at the main reception areas.
- Items will be taken to your loved one as soon as a volunteer is available. Unfortunately, we will not be able to tell you when they have received the bag.
