Hospital allows visitors as restrictions are eased
DERRIFORD Hospital is now allowing patients to have one visitor, after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
University Hospitals Plymouth announced it would be allowing visitors in a “safe and Covid-compliant way” in line with updated guidance from NHS England and the Government road map out of lockdown.
The changes mean that patients on general wards are allowed to nominate one person to be their visitor and they will be allowed to visit during an allocated hour once a day.
The allocated time slot is to ensure that there is a maximum of one visitor per bay at any one time. Patients in side rooms will also be allocated a visiting hour by the ward manager.
A University Hospitals Plymouth spokesperson said: “Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus should not visit, nor should anyone who has been in contact with someone confirmed or showing symptoms even if these are mild or intermittent, due to the risk they pose to others. If the visitors have symptoms, they should isolate for ten days and organise a test; members of the household should also isolate.”
All visitors will be asked to comply with measures to limit the spread of coronavirus and wear a surgical face mask, sanitise their hands and observe two-metre social distancing.
Everyone visiting will be required to report to the nurse in charge to give their contact details for track and trace, before entering the patient bed areas.
Explaining visitation rules around compassionate visiting, a spokesperson said: “Under compassionate circumstances, for example, where a patient is at the end of their life or in other exceptional circumstances, the ward manager has the discretion to extend visiting.”
Patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 cannot have visitors, unless it is under compassionate circumstances as listed above.
There are also other exceptions for which the ward manager retains discretion for compassionate visiting.
Exceptions include: a patient receiving end-of-life care; familiar carer/parent or guardian/supporter/ personal assistant; both parents/ guardians where the family bubble can be maintained; patients may be accompanied where appropriate and necessary to assist their communication and/or to meet their health, emotional, religious or spiritual care needs; patients who may require additional measures to reduce the risk of infection because they are immunocompromised, for example, undergoing transplant, stem cell treatment.
In addition, it may be necessary to suspend visiting on other wards if there is an increased risk of infection. This approach will be reviewed in line with NHS and Government guidelines and local Public Health advice and UHP reserves the right to temporarily stop visiting in any ward or area affected by an outbreak.
Derriford Hospital said that, regarding maternity, it welcomes partners of women requiring support through antenatal and scan attendances, induction of labour, during labour, as well as in the postnatal period. A partner can attend each appointment with the woman, but 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 for a two hour slot each day.
In 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.
In line with the hospital Carers’ Policy, the hospital will give a choice on whether the carer wishes to take on/continue with their caring role while the person is in hospital. The time allowed on the ward may be limited.