Trust warns on Covid visiting rules

HOSPITALS in Derby and Burton have issued further guidance about visiting after people have been disregarding Covid-19 rules.

The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust has said that in order to protect colleagues, patients and communities, it is “crucial” visits are managed carefully.

It warned that visiting restrictions could be tightened if current rules are not followed.

A trust spokesperson said: ”With Covid inpatient numbers rising, and set to continue to rise due to schools returning, visiting restrictions cannot be lifted entirely.

“However we are making steps towards adopting a safest visiting approach, allowing our patients opportunity to see their friends and family, while continuing to prevent the spread of infection.”

The spokesperson added: “Our outpatient and emergency departments have recently seen an increase in large numbers accompanying patients into hospital and disregarding the rules we have in place. Whilst we understand the importance of our patients seeing their friends and family, we ask that our communities work with us, follow the rules in place and consider if their visit is essential.”

Updated visitor guidance includes:

■■Ensuring that you are not symptomatic of Covid-19;

■■Request that you take a lateral flow test if visiting a ward;

■■Wear your face mask at all times;

■■Wash and sanitise hands regularly;

■■One visitor per inpatient, for one hour a day;

■■Two birth partners allowed at the point of active labour.

Full details are on the trust’s website.