To keep our patients, visitors and staff safe – and to limit the spread of COVID-19 - we have had to restrict the number of people allowed on to our hospital sites.
We know that it’s hugely important for patients to see their loved ones while they are in hospital, so have done all we can to support people to keep in contact while keeping them as safe as possible.
The information below sets out what visiting is allowed in each area, although there may be variations in certain circumstances to ensure everyone’s safety. Our staff will keep you informed.
Importantly, it should always be the same visitors – so not multiple friends and family on different days. Unfortunately children are not allowed to visit, and all visitors will have to wear a mask or face covering at all times. If you don’t have one, we will provide one for you.
We really appreciate the support of our patients, visitors and community as our staff continue to work hard to care for everyone who needs us.
General ward areas:
One visitor a day for one hour. There will be two sessions: 3-4pm and 5.30-6.30pm. Patients and visitors will be informed about their allocated time.
Unfortunately visitors are not allowed on our COVID-19 wards, so our staff will keep the patients’ next of kin fully updated about their condition.
Surgical wards/Green Zone:
As patients who have had surgery are more susceptible to COVID-19 we cannot allow visitors in these areas.
End of Life Care:
Where patients are nearing the end of their life, two visitors can be with them at any time.
Critical Care:
Unfortunately visitors will not be allowed in our Critical Care areas except for End Of Life care, but our staff will keep
the patient’s next of kin fully updated.
Paediatrics:
One parent or carer can be with their child at any time and they are allowed to stay overnight.
Neonatal ICU:
Parents or carers will be allocated three hour slots on a rota basis. Our staff will keep you fully informed.
Labour Ward/Birthing Unit:
Women admitted to labour ward/Midwifery Led Birthing Unit to have one birth partner accompanying for assessment.
To remain with woman during birth.
Women admitted to Labour Ward for reasons outside of Labour can have one person with them during admission.
Antenatal:
Women coming in for Induction of Labour (IOL) to have a birth partner attend for start of IOL procedure and then return home.
To be called back if women is transferred to Labour Ward or if contracting and needs support during this time.
Visiting on Anti Natal ward for all inpatients to be commenced 2 hours in the afternoon/evening. Staggered times arranged per bed number.
Only one visitor each session and this need to be a consistent visitor. Same visiting applied to Anti natal patients who remain on Labour ward.
Partners accompanying for scans to continue as currently in place.
Postnatal:
Visiting to be increased from 1 hour in the afternoon/evening to 2 hours. Staggered times depending on bed numbers.
Same visiting applied to Post Natal patients who remain on Labour ward.
All visitors to have details taken and temp checks on arrival and to wear face masks unless in a delivery room.
Ultrasound scans:
One person can accompany you, but care must be taken to maintain social distancing in waiting areas.
Emergency Department and Assessment Units:
This will be looked at on a case by case basis so we can maintain social distancing in the unit while supporting those who are
particularly vulnerable or unwell.
Outpatients:
Patients should come in on their own unless they need assistance and/or have been asked to bring someone with them.
Support our response to Covid19
If you are a registered nurse or doctor and are interested in working with us to support our response to COVID-19? Please contact mse.recruitment@nhs.net.
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