Doncaster Royal Infirmary announces changes to its hospital visiting restrictions

At the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust took the difficult decision to restrict visitors with the aim of reducing the further spread of the disease. This followed national guidance implemented across the NHS, and only permitted people to come to hospital under very specific circumstances.

As the Trust has seen a steady decline in cases of the illness throughout the past number of weeks, health professionals within the organisation are pleased to be able to ease certain restrictions, across a range of services.

Doctors and nurses at the hospitals are urging that visitors should only come if they are well, and are not showing any signs or symptoms of Covid-19. This includes a high temperature, a persistent cough and a loss of smell or taste.

David Purdue, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “We are so pleased to be able to welcome more visitors following a review of our visiting restrictions.

“Being in hospital is difficult at the best of times, but given the uncertainty of the past number of months, we understand how challenging it has been for friends and family not to see their loved ones.

“We are still operating with some restrictions, so we ask that individuals read the guidance carefully and we will continue to review our position on a regular basis. I want to also stress the importance that anyone coming to our sites must wear an appropriate face covering, wash their hands regularly and please do not attend, under any circumstances, if you have a cough, cold, diarrhoea, feel nauseous or have a temperature.”

The Trust’s visiting restrictions have been updated to the following:

Patients on Covid-19 Wards

For wards which may have a number of patients who are Covid-19 positive, (these are also known as Yellow Wards), increased precautions are undertaken.

As a phased approach and taking into account the need for compassionate visiting, a maximum of 15 minutes per patient for a designated family member will be allowed, with the permission of the Registered Nurse or Consultant in charge. This will be by appointment and after the visitor has confirmed they have read the visitor information and it is safe to visit.

Patients on Non-Covid-19 Wards

Patients in areas without cases of Covid-19 or very little (these are also known as Blue Wards) can have a visitor, by appointment and agreement of the Registered Nurse or Consultant in charge for an hour a day. Visitors will be asked to confirm they have read the visitor information and it is safe to visit.

Patients having elective surgery

Patients having planned elective surgery will have to self-isolate for two weeks prior to surgery. This is to reduce the risk of acquiring Covid-19 during the peri-operative period. Visitors are asked to use electronic means of keeping in touch until the patient is discharged home.

Patients on Critical Care (Intensive Care Unit and Department of Critical Care)

Patients receiving intensive/critical care are allowed visitors at the discretion of the Registered Nurse or Consultant in charge.

Patients attending the Emergency Department

One named person may accompany.

Patients at the End of Life

Patients who are at the end of life will be allowed open visiting. This means that one or a maximum of two visitors can stay with the patient and/or visit at any time that is suitable and convenient to them. This can be different family members.

Patients with a Learning Disability

Each patient will be assessed individually and visiting discussed with their immediate family or carer. Visiting will be allowed on an individual basis depending on the patient’s needs.

Patients with Dementia or Delirium

Each patient will be assessed individually and visiting discussed with immediate family. Visiting will be allowed on an individual basis, dependent on the patient’s needs.

Maternity Services

We are closely following national guidance for maternity and have always allowed one birth partner to be with the woman when in labour. Please discuss with your midwife if you have additional needs that mean we need to address your wishes.

We are now able to allow visiting for one person who lives in the same household as mother and baby, for one hour, at a designated time each day.

Children’s services

Children’s wards (including Observation Unit) – two parents are allowed to visit, but no siblings. We acknowledge that this may give some parents difficulties in both visiting at the same time as they may not be able to have alternative child care. In these circumstances then the parents will need to visit at different times.

Neonatal services – The primary and secondary carer for the child and neonate are able to visit as long as they take it in turns. The visitors will need to confirm they have read the visitor information and are safe to visit.

Outpatients

In order to comply with social distancing guidance, wherever possible we are asking outpatient appointments be attended alone, with some exemptions. If there are mitigating circumstances such as access issues, if the appointment will affect your sight or mobility or other factors you may be exempt from this rule. If you’re unsure, call ahead of your appointment to check.

Virtual visiting:

As a Trust, we have introduced ‘Virtual Visiting’ using a simple video conference app called Starleaf, which is very similar to Facetime or Skype. It is easy to use, its secure and is free, you just need to have access to a either a smart phone, ipad, tablet or PC (with sound and camera).

If you are interested in using virtual visiting please contact the appropriate ward where your relative is and the staff there will try and arrange this for you.

The ward will need your email address and a time to schedule the virtual visit. Or you can email the Butterfly volunteer email address who will support you with this: [email protected]