This new policy will come into place from Monday 16 May 2022.
While visiting restrictions will be eased in almost all services, local residents are asked to note that some restrictions still apply for those undergoing planned elective surgery, as well those recuperating following a procedure.
The Trust’s visiting restrictions have been updated to the following:
- Patients who are testing negative for COVID-19 – A general visiting period between 11am and 8pm will be adopted. Patients will be allowed up to two visitors at any one time.
- Patients who are testing positive for COVID-19 – 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 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, visitors will be provided with, and ask to wear, a protective hood.
- Paediatric care – For full guidance, please head to: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/non-essential-visiting-suspended/paediatric-neonatal-services-visiting-covid-19/
- Maternity services – For full guidance, please head to: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/non-essential-visiting-suspended/maternity-services-visiting-covid-19/
- Emergency Department and Outpatient appointments– Patients attending for appointments or an emergency visit can be accompanied by one other person.
- Patients having elective surgery (inpatient and day surgery) – The Trust continues to operate with some restrictions for those undergoing planned inpatient surgery and ask families and friends to stay in touch via electronic means where possible. Two visitors per patient per day are allowed to attend 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. Colleagues 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.
- Post surgery – Two visitors per patient between the hours of 11am to 8pm, however colleagues ask visits are kept as short as possible.
- 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 wherever two visitors are permitted, and must be accompanied by an adult.
Abigail Trainer, Acting Chief Nurse at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: “Following another recent spike, and subsequent decline, in COVID-19 activity within our hospitals, we are delighted to be able to relax our visiting restrictions.
“It is important to note that we are still operating some restrictions such as those in elective surgery, so we ask that individuals read the guidance carefully before attending and we will continue to review our position on a regular basis. I want to also stress the importance that anyone coming to our sites must wear an appropriate face covering, wash their hands regularly and please do not attend, under any circumstances, if you have a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting or a temperature.”
