Visitors now allowed at Hampshire hospitals after guidance eased
Visiting guidance at hospitals across Hampshire has been relaxed after coronavirus restrictions across as the country were lifted.
The Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs hospitals in Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester, will now allow one visitor per patient.
Previously, only people visiting patients receiving palliative or end of life care were allowed to visit.
Visitors must book in advance by contacting the nurse in charge of the ward.
Deputy chief nurse at HHFT Katie Prichard-Thomas said: “Keeping our patients and staff safe remains our top priority and this updated visiting guidance aims to ensure we continue to be able to do so.
“We understand how important it is for families and friends to stay connected and how difficult it can be when face-to-face visiting isn’t possible.
“This update, which permits one visitor per patient and allows visitors to return to booking an appointment following completion of a set of Covid-19 screening questions, is focused on striking the right balance.
“It’s important to remember an appointment must be booked in order to attend our sites as a visitor.
“There are also number of other ways in which loved ones can keep in touch alongside face-to-face visiting, including virtual visiting and our patient messaging service.
“Any visitors who are coming into our hospitals will need to undertake a lateral flow test prior to arrival and are advised that they will be required to wear a surgical mask at all times. It is essential social distancing rules are also followed.”
This guidance will not impact on the arrangements in place for maternity services where birthing partners are already permitted, or for patients in receipt of palliative or end-of-life care.
Only one visitor is permitted per patient at any time.
Visits must be booked in advance by contacting the nurse in charge of the ward.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as the patient being at the end of their life, if visitors arrive without having first agreed a time and date with the nurse in charge of the ward, they will be asked to return home.
