Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 11:42 am
In today’s update:
- Changes to visiting restrictions
Changes to visiting restrictions
Ensuring the safety of our patients and staff will always be our main priority, and that is why the Trust has maintained the restrictions around visitors to our hospitals since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After reviewing recent changes to Government guidance, the Trust is now confident that it is able to reintroduce some visiting arrangements in a controlled manner, whilst maintaining our COVID-19 safety measures.
Please note, visiting can be restricted or suspended with immediate effect if there are any safety concerns due to a spread of infection on our wards or in our communities.
From Monday 14th March, visiting will be allowed as follows:
Adult wards
- Visiting times: 1.30pm – 4pm
6pm – 7pm - Maximum of two visitors per patient – please note, this must be the same two visitors throughout each session
Maternity Unit
- Two birth partners may attend Delivery Suite
- One nominated partner may attend the pre/post-natal ward between 9am – 9pm
- One nominated partner may attend appointments and scans
Ward 2E, Pre and Postnatal Ward
– Visiting times: 1.30pm – 4pm
6pm – 7pm
- Maximum of two visitors per bedside, including the nominated partner.
Children’s wards
- Maximum of two visitors per patient
Emergency Department, GPAU, SAU, and Outpatients Departments
- One support person may attend with each patient
In addition to the above:
Relatives of those receiving end of life care, or carers of patients with dementia or learning disabilities, will continue to be supported to visit their loved ones.
Safety measures that will remain in place
All staff and visitors must continue to wear a face mask in and around Trust buildings, continue to follow hand hygiene procedures and maintain social distancing where possible.
Staff must wear appropriate PPE in all clinical areas.
Staff must continue to follow the self-isolation guidance if they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.
Communicating the changes to visiting
Up-to-date visiting information will be publicised to patients and the public via the Trust website: www.sthk.nhs.uk, on social media and through the local press.
Signage in around Trust buildings will also be updated shortly.