Restrictions ease for visiting patients and pregnant women
Restrictions on friends and family members visiting patients in hospital in Sunderland and South Shields are set to be eased.
Strictlimitswereplacedon entry to wards early this year, following a rise in Covid cases caused by the emergence of the Omicron variant.
However, bosses at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital have now started to roll back previous rules as coronavirus infections continue to fall.
From next week, adult inpatients will be permitted one visitor,whilepregnantwomen will be able to have two birthing partners with them during labour and delivery.
Melanie Johnson, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at the trust said: “We know how importantspendingtimewith loved ones is to our patients and the positive effect it can have on recovery and wellbeing.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming visitors back into our hospitals, but do ask that they follow the guidance we have set out.
“This includes wearing a facemask at all times in our buildings and following all of the guidance given to them by our team to help keep our patients and staff safe.”
Accordingtohospitalmanagers, adult inpatients will be
permitted a single named visitor, who will have to schedule trips to wards through a bookable
appointment system.
Pregnant women continue to be able to be accompanied by one person during all antenatal appointments.
The trust has requested that only people who have had at least three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine - two doses and booster - visit patients.
Visitors will be asked to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), follow guidance on hand washing, social distancing and take a lateral flow test before their trip.
In addition, anyone attending an emergency or outpatient department will be allowed to be accompanied by one other person, while children will be allowed to have more than one parent or carer with them.
The revised rules are due to come into force from Monda.
Visiting in exceptional circumstances,suchasattheend of life or to support patients with dementia or a learning disability, will continue at the discretion of ward bosses.