VISITING RULES TO BE EASED AT HOSPITALS FROM NEXT WEEK
PATIENTS WHO STAY IN OVERNIGHT WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE ONE NAMED PERSON VISIT FOR UP TO AN HOUR PER DAY
VISITING restrictions are being eased at hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe from next week.
From Monday, April 19, inpatients who stay in hospital overnight will be able to have one named person visit them for up to an hour per day between either 2pm and 3pm or 6pm and 7pm.
Once chosen, the visitor will be contacted by the ward to go through a screening process and book a visiting appointment. The named visitor must remain the same person throughout the patient’s hospital stay and must agree to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice social distancing while in the Trust and on the ward. Visiting is strictly by appointment only and anyone turning up without an appointment will be turned away. Visitors are also encouraged to carry out a free rapid lateral flow test before visiting the hospital to ensure they do not test positive for coronavirus.
Chief Nurse Ellie Monkhouse said: “I am so pleased we are able to begin easing the visiting restrictions in place at our hospitals. We understand how difficult it has been for patients and their loved ones being apart and hope this will come as good news to those in our care.
“We look forward to welcoming regular visitors once again, however some restrictions remain for the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. All patients and visitors are asked to co-operate with nurse in charge and ward staff when arranging visiting to ensure it remains safe for everyone.” The new visiting arrangements will apply to all Covid-free areas, also known as “green” wards. Visiting in all other areas will be at the discretion of the nurse in charge, in line with our restricted visiting guidance. Visiting in exceptional circumstances; for those at the end of their lives, vulnerable due to admission-related anxiety, have communication difficulties or dementia, will continue as normal at the discretion of the nurse in charge. Some wards may have a slight variation to visiting times and/or arrangements, the nurse in charge will be able to advise of these.
Ellie added: “It can be really hard having limited contact with a loved one in hospital, and while we ease the visiting restrictions, we must continue to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe. All visitors are asked to abide by the new guidelines and not attempt to visit without an appointment.” If you’re a named visitor of a family member or friend in hospital, you will need to:
■ Wear a face mask or covering: All visitors will be required to wear a surgical face mask (unless exempt) throughout their time in hospital. Visitors should wear their own face covering before swapping it for a face mask on entry to the hospital or ward they are visiting
■ Wash your hands: You must wash your hands, regularly with soap and water or the hand gel provided, especially before and after you leave a ward
■ Keep a safe distance: All visitors must maintain social distancing to help control the virus and keep patients, other visitors and staff safe.
A spokesperson said: “If you have a dry cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste, please do not visit at all.
“If you are concerned that you have symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) please stay at home and visit www.nhs.uk to find out what to do.
“If you are a named visitor and experience difficulties in arranging an appointment, support will be available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday through the patient contact helpline on 03033 306666 or nlg-tr. twpatientcontacthelpline@nhs.net “Due to ongoing building works, car parking will be limited at both Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospital. Patients and visitors are reminded of the Park and Ride service for Scunthorpe hospital and are encouraged to consider alternative means of transport where possible.
“The Patient Experience team can also help you keep in touch with someone in hospital, please email nlg-tr.patientexperience@nhs.net for support or check the coronavirus FAQs page for more information.”
We look forward to welcoming regular visitors once again ...
Chief Nurse Ellie Monkhouse