Covid-19 Coronavirus: Visiting Restrictions

Information correct at 21 December 2020

Due to the current rate and presentation of Covid-19 in our local areas, we will continue to restrict visiting to maintain patient safety and reduce the risk of spread of Covid-19 within our hospitals. In general:

• If visitors have to come to our hospitals then they should ALWAYS:
  • Sanitise hands on arrival
  • Wear a face covering at all times
  • Observe strict social distancing
• If attending A&E, Urgent Treatment Centre or Outpatients attend alone unless meeting one of the exceptions below.
• Child visitors under 16 will not be permitted at any time

The following exceptions are in place:

• End of Life Patients - A maximum of two visitor at the bedside at any time – visiting supported by the nurse in charge
• Women in Labour - One birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour
• Antenatal  - One partner may accompanying woman to antenatal scans. Risk assessments of environments should be undertaken.
• Neonatal Unit - Both parents
• Intensive Care – nominated visitors up to one hour per day (same visitors throughout patient stay) and subject to screening assessment.  All visiting subject to nurse in charge daily approval.
• Children’s Unit - One parent or appropriate adult visiting a child at one time, interchangeable
• Carers/patient supporters – one carer/visitor that is supporting someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, brain injury, a learning disability or autism, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed.
• Individual requests will be considered in exceptional circumstances

To support patients and their loved ones:

• Each ward has virtual visiting in place using tablet devices – please ask the nurse in charge to arrange this.
• Our Family Liaison Service continues to offer a daily contact service with nominated loved ones.

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 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 challengeing time. We will review these arrangeements 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 and Merseyside.

Important Notice

• Everyone should follow the expert national guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, staying at home wherever possible, to help limit the spread of coronavirus, protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and our NHS.
• Visitors with any symptoms relating to Covid-19- coronavirus including a cough or temperature must not visit the hospital the guidance issued by NHS1111   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
• If visitors have a general cold, including cough, cold, runny nose they must not come to the hospitals.
• Visitors with any symptoms relating to a stomach upset, including diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not come to the hospitals.

The Trust advises visitors to contact its Patient Advice and Liaison Service if they have specific concerns beyond this guidance, the service is available on weekdays on 01925 275512 or e-mail WHH.Pals@nhs.net