VISIT RESTRICTIONS are being eased in Herefordshire hospitals as the number of coronavirus patients falls.
As the number of Covid-19 patients has declined in recent weeks, the Wye Valley NHS Trust has eased visit restrictions to allow patients who have been in the clinic for more than seven days to see a nominated visitor daily, if so Charging is agreed with the nurse in advance so that social distancing can be maintained.
This applies to the general wards at Hereford County Hospital and the three community hospitals in Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Bromyard.
A single nominated visitor must be identified and visits must be booked in advance with the responsible nurse.
Nursing Director Lucy Flanagan said, “We would like to pay tribute to all of those patients who have been in the hospital for the past few months and have not been allowed to see visitors.
“We know this was not easy, but we would like to thank you and your families for complying with the visiting restrictions. This has ensured that patients are treated in the safest possible environment.”
While visiting specialties such as ITU, Frome, AMU, and GAU are currently not permitted, restricted visit is permitted by individual arrangements in special circumstances and for patients receiving end-of-life treatment.
The Trust has also updated the maternity ward visiting rules in light of new national guidelines.
To ensure the safety of women, a support person and employees, the following precautions have now been taken:
The nominated support person must undergo a Covid test twice a week while their partner remains inpatient in the maternity ward or in the maternity suite and should not be present if they have Covid symptoms
Partners have one visit per day, either between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. or between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Patients admitted to the stroke department may also have a nominated person visited for the first 24 to 72 hours of their stay, while patients receiving end-of-life treatment can have a maximum of four nominated visitors
“In exceptional circumstances, we have and will continue to allow visitors during the pandemic. We understand that every patient is different, as are their needs and those of their family members.
“We just ask that each visit be booked with the nurse in charge,” added Lucy.
Visitors must also wear a face mask and maintain good hand hygiene. Patients must also wear a surgical mask during the visit if clinically appropriate.