Trust agrees to allow limited visiting to hospitals over Christmas period

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is allowing some patients at Pilgrim and Lincoln County hospitals visitors to coincide with the Government’s relaxation of rules to allow families to get together over Christmas.

The limited visiting will be permitted from Wednesday December 23 until Sunday December 27, and will be by appointment only with just one visitor per patient allowed at a time.

The trust says the move is because it recognises how important it is for patients to be able to spend time with friends and family over the festive period.

Director of Nursing for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Dr Karen Dunderdale, said: “We appreciate that seeing a loved one is very important and so in line with the Government easing restrictions from 23 to 27 December, we have made provisions that will enable some visiting over Christmas, within the hospital setting.

“The guidelines and restrictions are in place to protect our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the spread of this virus.

“We must remember that the fact that a patient is in hospital, already puts them in the vulnerable category so any visiting we allow, must be in line with protecting them as a priority.”

Visiting will not be possible at Grantham and District Hospital to maintain the ‘green’ site covid-free status and enable the continuation of surgery and cancer treatment for patients, and it does not include dedicated .

The Trust said in a statement: “Over the Christmas period, from 23 December to 27 December, some inpatients will be able to receive one visitor, who depending on appointments available may be able to visit more than once.

“Unfortunately, this does not include our dedicated COVID-19 wards where the risk of infection remains too great.

“Appointments will all need to be booked in advance and follow some very specific rules that are entirely in place for the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

“There will be limited appointments available as we want to ensure that as many patients as possible are able to have a visit during this time. Social distancing limits the number of people who can visit at any one time.”

From Sunday December 27, the trust will revert to its policy of no visiting other than in exceptional cases.

All visitors need to adhere to the following Christmas visiting rules, the trust says:

· All visitors must book an appointment in advance by contacting the ward where their loved one is staying between 8am and 2pm. Contact numbers for each ward can be found on the Trust’s website. Our wards are very busy, so please be patient when booking your visit.

· Bookings are only valid between 23 and 27

· Only one visitor per bay will be permitted at any one time regardless of the size of the bay.

· Only one relative may visit – there cannot be a different family member on different days.

· Only one visit per patient per day during this period may be possible to ensure all patients have the opportunity for at least one visit.

· People must not visit if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new persistent cough, loss of taste or smell).

· Social distancing must be maintained and a hospital provided mask must be worn at all times as well as gloves and an apron being worn at all times, whilst on the ward.

· Visitors must also consider whether someone in their home who may be shielding or in a high risk vulnerable group may be at risk if others from the household visit.

· Anyone with concerns or queries about visiting should speak to the ward, or the Patient Advice and Liaison teams at Pilgrim: 01205 446244 and Lincoln: 01522 707071.

· Visitors should read the Visiting during COVID-19 Information Leaflet available on our website, which explains all of the arrangements and precautions.

The following exceptions will continue during and after the 23 to 27 December:

· The maternity department will allow one birthing partner to attend the birth and a partner to visit women and their baby either antenatal or postnatal.

· Partners can attend the 12 and 20 week antenatal scans and the 36 week consultant maternity appointment.

· Parents who do not show the symptoms of infection can visit their children on children’s wards and neonatal units (one parent at a time).

· Other exceptional circumstances such as a significantly distressed patient with a mental health condition or learning disability where the visit would be considered a therapeutic necessity.

· Visits to patients receiving end of life care.

The trust’s wards are still offering the opportunity for families and carers to talk to relatives via Skype or FaceTime where possible. Families can also take advantage of the ‘Letter to a Loved One’ scheme, full details here: https://www.ulh.nhs.uk/news/send-a-letter-to-a-loved-one/