Restrictions on hospital visits tighten

CHANGES to visiting arrangements at all Swansea Bay hospitals have been made in response to rising cases of confirmed Covid-19 in Swansea and the new local restrictions.

Health bosses say the safety of patients and staff is their top priority, which means they will be restricting visiting.

As well as protecting patients and staff, reducing the number of people on hospital sites will also help to prevent the further spread of the virus. This will apply to all hospitals in the health board area. Visits will be limited to: A birth partner during childbirth

Patients receiving endof-life care

Patients who have mental health issues such as dementia, or a learning disability or a condition like autism where not having a visitor would cause the patient to be distressed

One parent or carer to accompany a child in hospital

But if you have any Covid-19 symptoms you must not visit any hospital site, even if the patient you want to visit falls into one of these categories. You should stay at home and arrange a test by ringing 01639 862757.

Health chiefs will be supporting virtual visiting as much as possible, using ipads and tablets, and also telephone visiting.

Arrangements will be reintroduced for the dropping off and collecting of patient clothing and toiletries where this is possible, and hospital will also use items which they have in stock following a generous response to a public appeal earlier this year.

These visiting arrangements will be kept under review.

Keith Reid, Swansea Bay UHB’S director of public health, said: “How long Swansea stays in local lockdown is entirely up to the people of Swansea. You have it in your gift to end this lockdown as early as possible and save lives.”