CORONAVIRUS: Limited hospital visiting now only available on Christmas Day only

United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust had originally hoped to allow some limited visiting at Pilgrim and Lincoln County Hospital from yesterday (23 December until Sunday.

But the Government’s decision to scrap plans for a five day relaxation of rules over Christmas has seen Trust bosses follow suit.

The Trust appointments need to be booked in advance for any visits tomorrow and visitors must follow some very specific rules that are entirely in place for the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

There are limited appointments available as we want to ensure that as many patients as possible are able to have a visit.

Visiting is not possible at Grantham and District Hospital. This is to maintain the ‘green’ site status and enable the continuation of surgery and cancer treatment for patients.

The permitted visits do not include the sites’ dedicated COVID-19 wards where the risk of infection remains too great.

A spokesperson said: “The Trust as always is working hard to get as many patients who are medically fit back to their homes and appreciate all the help and support that families and carers can give to make this possible.”

All visitors need to adhere to the following Christmas Day visiting rules:

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 for December 25

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

Only one relative may visit.

Only one visit per day is possible to ensure all patients have the opportunity to 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.

The following exceptions will continue during and after the 25 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.