Visiting arrangements relaxed for hospital patients

Patients will now be able to have support in hospital from the people who matter to them.

This no longer needs to be limited to the same two people visiting, however, there may sometimes be a need to limit the numbers of family members who can visit at any one time, so physical distancing rules can be followed.

Conversations with the patient and family will take place on admission and throughout the hospital stay to discuss who they would like to visit and when.

Family support at times when patients wish the presence, help and support of the people who matter to them – for example at mealtimes, rehabilitation sessions, discharge planning and during Multi-disciplinary Team conversations – will now be allowed.

A spokesperson for NHSCCG said: “While Covid-19 is still with us, to maintain the safety of patients, family providing support and staff, visiting needs to continue to be carefully managed and to limit numbers of people visiting at any one time.

"If you wish to visit anyone in hospital, please contact the ward to arrange a visit in advance, so we can be sure our wards and hospital sites do not become overcrowded and allow everyone to follow the physical distancing rules. A list of telephone numbers can be found for all wards and departments at www.nhsggc.org.uk.

"There may however be some circumstances where it is still not safe for a patient to have a visitor; if this is the case, we will tell you why and keep it under review where possible.

"To help keep everyone safe, we strongly recommend that all visitors have a voluntary Lateral Flow Test prior to visiting and then undertake these twice per week for as long as you are the named visitor.

"If you do not wish to have a test or are not able to test this will not be an obstacle to a visit, however please do not bring additional family and friends with you unless you are a carer accompanying a family member or a parent accompanying a child.”