Visiting arrangements changed for NI hospitals, hospices and maternity services
It’s because the covid alert has dropped from Level 5, to Level 4.
Last updated 26th Feb 2021
From Monday March 1, visiting arrangements for all care settings will be slightly different.
The changes are a result of the decision form all four of the UK’s Chief Medical Officers to drop the Regional Alert Level from Level 5 to Level 4 with immediate effect.
From Monday 1 March, at least one face-to-face visit per week by one person for Health and Social Care Trust facilities will be allowed.
In Hospices, one visitor for one hour daily is recommended – but that’s subject to covid protections being adhered to.
Social distance of two metres, good hand and respiratory hygiene, good ventilation, appropriate use of PPE and wearing face covering will be required.
The Department of Health says when it comes to maternity services, one partner will be able to accompany the pregnant woman to dating scan, anomaly scan, early pregnancy clinic, fetal medicine appointments and when the woman is in active labour (to be defined by midwife).
Visits in antenatal and postnatal wards will be for one person for up to one hour once a week.
Care homes that do not have a current outbreak should facilitate a variety of visiting arrangements, says the DoH.
It's advised that this should include indoor settings where possible, to enable 'meaningful contact between residents and their loved ones'.
Care homes that haven’t already implemented arrangements for care partners are encouraged to do so.
The guidance is subject to local risk assessment, and will be kept under review.
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