Due to the current rate and presentation of Covid in our region, we will continue to restrict visiting to maintain patient safety and reduce the risk of spread of Covid-19 within our hospitals. Visitors should observe strict 2 metre social distancing principles whilst moving around the hospital wear face coverings and adhere to strict handwashing on entering and leaving the hospital and clinical areas. The following standards should be observed:

• A maximum of two visitors for patients at the end of their life.
• One birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour.
• One partner accompanying woman to antenatal scans. Risk assessments of environments should be undertaken.
• One parent or appropriate adult visiting a child, this may include multiple parents although only one may be present at any
• time, this also include Neonatal services.
• One carer that is supporting someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism or other
• similar complex conditions where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.
• In exceptional cases consideration will be given to individual requests following a comprehensive risk assessment.

Outpatient appointments

Most of our outpatient appointments are now being undertaken in a different way. When it is necessary to attend the hospital, the patient should attend alone, where this is not possible, either due to potential psychological distress or physical support, one person may accompany the patient attending outpatients, both should wear face coverings.

Please contact the ward or department in advance to discuss appropriate arrangements. Your health, safety and wellbeing, that of our patients, communities and staff across the organisation remain our absolute priority. We will support you to find other ways of keeping in touch with your loved ones in hospital, like phone and video calls. If you are worried please speak to the nurse in charge.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time. We will review these arrangements on a weekly basis and in the context of the environment we are providing care in.

Guidance developed in partnership with NHSE/I and Directors of Nursing/Chief Nurses in Cheshire & Merseyside.