Visitor restrictions in place at West Hertfordshire hospitals
The local hospital trust says it is necessary in order to keep patients and staff safe.
Visiting has been temporarily restricted across all West Hertfordshire Hospitals due to the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust says the decision has been carefully considered, but admit it is necessary in order to keep patients and staff safe. The situation will be reviewed every two week.
No visitors will be allowed on any hospital sites apart from in the following exceptional circumstances:
- The patient is receiving end of life care.
- The patient is in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- The patient is a child on a paediatric ward, being visited by their parents or an appropriate adult.
- The patient has a mental health issue, where not having a family member present would cause distress to the patient.
- The patient has dementia, a learning disability or autism, where not having a family member present would cause distress to the patient.
In these exceptional circumstances, restrictions will still apply, so relatives must:
- Contact the ward or department in advance to discuss appropriate arrangements, complete a risk assessment and agree the visit
- All visitors, in exceptional circumstances, must complete a lateral flow test and have evidence of a negative result, prior to visiting.
- Anyone entering our hospital sites must wear a face mask to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
- Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or feeling poorly must not visit, even if the symptoms are mild or intermittent.