Changes to hospital visiting
NEW visiting guidance has been announced by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) in relation to hospital sites.
The visiting guidance to hospital sites will allow two visitors to visit at the same time, for one hour per day, per patient from four nominated visitors. This will be reviewed again on Monday 10 October 2022.
A Western Trust spokesperson detailed the changes, they said: “There has been an easing of restrictions to maternity services which will now allow three nominated visitors, an increase from two previously. Partners can now attend twice daily, however the other two nominated visitors can only visit once per day.
“Elective Wards (Wards 3, 21 and 43) at Altnagelvin Hospital and Elective Ward 9 at South West Acute Hospital will now allow one visitor from two nominated visitors to visit for one hour, once per day for post operation patients only. A time slot will need be arranged directly with the Ward.”
Emphasising the continued risk posed by Covid-19, the Western Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and we are therefore emphasising the social responsibility our visitors have by ensuring they please continue with adherence to infection prevention and control measures in our efforts to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 into high risk and vulnerable settings. We would also ask that visitors please wear a face mask (covering their nose and mouth) when inside our healthcare facilities, even when in the presence of a patient.”
The Trust has also issued the following guidance in relation to neonatal, children’s ward, elective ward and cancer services.
Neonatal Units, both parents or two nominated visitors to spend as much time with their baby as they wish.
Children’s Ward, Any child admitted to the Children’s Ward can be accompanied by two people at all times for the duration of the stay.
Elective Ward 9 at South West Acute Hospital will now allow one visitor from two nominated visitors to visit for one hour, once per day for post operation patients only. A time slot will need be arranged directly with the Ward.