Information for visitors

In line with NHS England guidelines, we are now transitioning back towards our pre-pandemic policy on inpatient visiting.

This means the requirement for visitors to wear a mask has been removed. Visitors will be instructed whether a mask is needed on entry to a particular ward or clinic. You may continue to wear a mask if you have a personal preference to do so.

While visitors are no longer required to wear face masks, you must not visit if you are feeling unwell or have any respiratory symptoms i.e. a high temperature, cough or sore throat. We are also asking everyone to continue washing/sanitising their hands regularly when visiting us.

The requirement to telephone the ward to pre-arrange your visit has also been removed.

Lateral flow (LFT) testing

• Visitors are no longer required to confirm a negative lateral flow test on the day of visiting. You may continue to test before visiting if you wish to do so and you have a testing kit available to you. If you do decide to test yourself then please do not attend if the result is positive.
• If you are feeling unwell or have any of the symptoms of coronavirus, please do not visit. Symptoms include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you start to feel unwell during your visit, please let our staff know immediately.

Face masks

• Visitors are no longer required to wear a face mask, however you may continue to wear a mask if you have a personal preference to do so.
• Visitors will be instructed whether a mask is needed on entry to a particular ward or clinic.

Hand washing

• All visitors should continue to wash or sanitise their hands thoroughly before entering all wards, outpatient and clinic areas.
• Visitors should do the same on leaving and when moving between rooms/areas.

Restrictions

• While we aim not to restrict visiting to any of our wards, it may be necessary due to infection. This is to protect you from the risk of infection while you are visiting. If visiting is restricted on a ward where your loved is staying, ward staff will contact the patient’s next of kin and also inform you when you call to pre-arrange your visit.

We would like to thank you in advance for your continued support and understanding.