Visiting in general wards - (Updated 12 April 2021)
We are introducing some limited visiting from Monday 12 April 2021 in a safe and COVID-compliant way. Where visiting is allowed, we have a Rule of 1. This means one visitor for one hour, once a day, per patient. For more information visit our Coronavirus page.
Maternity visiting - (updated 23 August 2021)
Ruth May, the Chief Nursing Officer in England has informed all maternity service providers that they need to use the availability of testing mechanisms to reduce risk of transmission to women, support persons, staff and the wider public.
Therefore, we need to ensure that all women, pregnant persons and partners attending appointments show evidence of a negative lateral flow test on arrival at any routine appointment. This does not apply to any triage or Delivery Suite admission, where testing will take place on arrival as is the case now.
This test should have taken place within the 24 hours prior to the appointment (but preferably as close to the appointment as possible). Tests can be ordered here:
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
If you test positive, please let your midwife know and any routine appointment will be rearranged.
We welcome partners of pregnant persons requiring support through antenatal and scan attendances, for the start of induction of labour, during labour, as well as in the postnatal period.
A partner can attend each appointment with the pregnant person; however will need to wait in a waiting area or car until called. Partners can attend at all times for a triage assessment or in labour.
One support partner can attend the postnatal ward between 10.00 and 20.00 each day.
Support partners and visitors are required to wear face coverings when in the hospital, unless exempt.
We are continuing to ask that for routine appointments, you and your support partner do a lateral flow test prior to your appointment. Thank you
Paediatrics areas
For outpatients, one parent or guardian will be allowed to attend, with the ability to allow two (from a family bubble) if appropriate in discussion with the consultant.
In the Children’s Assessment Unit, one parent or guardian will be permitted, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
When a child is admitted, one parent or guardian can be in attendance. A second parent/ carer will be offered a flexible hour slot to visit.
