Sheffield hospitals issue updated rules on visiting patients and wearing face masks

The Northern General Hospital, which is part of the Trust, will enforce the new visiting rules.

People will not be allowed to visit hospitals in Sheffield other than in ‘certain exceptional circumstances’ say Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, as they clamp down on visiting arrangements to slow the transmission of Covid-19.

It comes after the government announced that individual trusts can now review their visiting rules on June 7.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust advised the public that the no visiting policy will remain in place while they consider how arrangements can be amended while maintaining social distancing and keeping patients safe.

In a statement posted to social media the Trust said: “We know how important it is for patients to be able to see family and friends but we have to balance this with the safety of all patients, staff and visitors.

“Although there is a continuing downward trend in the number of COVID cases and deaths, there are still cases in our hospitals and the community and we are very conscious that limiting the spread of the virus has to be a priority in any decision we make.

“We need to make sure that social distancing can be maintained and that everyone who comes into hospital is wearing a face covering/mask, as well as taking into account other possible implications, such as an increase in people travelling to and from hospital on public transport.”