Further easing of visiting restrictions

As our COVID-19 numbers continue to decline consistently, we are again looking at further easing our visiting restrictions and will move to a general window of 11am to 8pm in most areas.

If you are coming to our hospitals, please observe the following:

  • If you are symptomatic for COVID-19, please do not attend.
  • Please wear a mask whilst on hospital grounds.

Non-COVID patients:

A general visiting period between 11am and 8pm will be adopted (to avoid overcrowding). Patients will be allowed up to two visitors at any one time. We will ask families to coordinate this as best as they can and reduce the number of people coming into the hospital. We will also ask staff to manage as best as they can to avoid any crowding within bay areas.

As usual, visitors will be asked to wear a mask, and should be asked if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 before entry.

COVID-19 patients:

To reduce any potential for further outbreaks, COVID-19 positive patients will be allowed one nominated visitor whenever they are still testing positive for the illness – again between the hours of 11am and 8pm.

Visitors will be asked to wear a mask at all times. If the patient is undergoing any aerosol generating procedures, they should be provided with, and ask to wear, a hood.

Elective surgery:

We do continue with some restrictions for those undergoing planned inpatient surgery and ask families and friends to stay in touch via electronic means where possible. We are supporting two visitors per patient per day between 11am and 8pm. Visitors must remember that many patients undergoing planned surgery are clinically vulnerable and at high risk should they develop covid in the postoperative period. We would ask that if visitors have any symptoms of COVID, feel generally unwell or have been in contact with someone who has COVID or has symptoms of COVID, that they don’t attend as a visitor to the elective wards.

Post surgery

Two visitors per patient for each patient between hours of 11am to 8pm, however we would ask visits to be kept as short as possible. Visitors are asked to Lateral Flow Test if possible.

Outpatient, diagnostic services and Emergency Department:

Patients attending for appointments or an emergency visit can be accompanied by one other person. As usual visitors will be asked to wear a mask.

Complex needs patients:

Two visitors at anyone time, however, open access for two nominated carers of patients with complex needs, those on palliative care, have learning disabilities, dementia, autism or a mental health need, beyond the normal hours of 11am to 8pm.

End of life care:

Two visitors at the bedside at any one time, however this can be rotated, open visiting beyond the hours of 11am and 8pm.

Children and siblings:

Can visit where two visitors are permitted, and must be accompanied by an adult.

Paediatric and maternity:

Visit remains as outlined here: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/