Following a change in national guidance and to support the wellbeing and person-centred care of our patients, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have reviewed and amended our visiting policy in line with the new guidance.
As a Trust we request:
- Anyone showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or anyone feeling unwell should not visit.
- Visitors to contact ward area prior to visiting to book an appointment and to follow local ward area advice for safe visiting.
- Visitors to follow infection control guidelines and are required to wear face mask/covering as well as performing hand hygiene on entering and leaving ward areas.
- Visitors will be required to wear a surgical facemask if visiting high risk area or for patients with confirmed/suspected Covid-19 – in low risk areas, face coverings are permitted.
- Maximum of 2 visitors per patient and during allocated time only – wards will have protected time with patients during meal time and ward rounds. During diagnostic/outpatient appointments, patients can be accompanied by a visitor.
- Where face to face visits are not practical then virtual visits should be supported
- In high risk areas where the ward are supporting end of life visits, visitors would be expected to wear the same level of PPE as clinical staff appropriate to that setting.
The following have now been:
- Removal of one nominated close family member.
- Removal of individual visitor risk assessment.
- Removal of visitor LFT testing and evidence of negative result.
Please also note:
- Patients who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for a period of 10 days whilst in hospital. During this time, they will be unable to receive visitors unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Face to face visits may be suspended/cancelled at short notice in response to incidents and/or outbreaks such as Covid-19.