Hospital visitor restrictions start to ease

Hampshire Hospitals has announced the start of a gradual relaxation of the visiting restrictions that were imposed due to COVID-19.

Although we're told strict measures will remain in force for the foreseeable future.

“Visitor restrictions are not something that we would ever wish to implement for extended periods of time,” said Julie Dawes, chief nurse at the trust.

“Anyone who has worked in the NHS will have seen the positive impact relatives, loved ones and friends can have on a patient - an extra set of eyes, a familiar face and voice. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has necessitated many changes which we didn’t think possible just over a year ago.

“However, as things continue to improve, I am delighted to be able to tell you that effective today we are starting to ease the restrictions on visiting at Hampshire Hospitals. This will be very gradual and may be reversed if the situation worsens either at the trust or in the wider community.”

At first, comparatively little will change but visitor restrictions will be regularly reviewed in line with the government’s roadmap. Making it critical on the continued success of the national vaccination programme and on members of the community continuing to follow social distancing measures, including wearing masks.

All visiting at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Andover War Memorial Hospital will continue to be by appointment and in essential cases only, with surgical masks compulsory at all times and the highest levels of hand hygiene observed.

Only one visitor will be permitted per patient at any one time: ideally the same person throughout a patients stay. No children under 12 are permitted except in cases where the patient is receiving palliative or end of life care.

“We know how anxious people are to visit friends and family when they are in hospital and are doing all we can to ensure this can happen safely and securely, for patients, visitors and our staff,” concluded Julie.

“This is a first step, not the end of the road.”

Patients can also connect with their relatives and friends through virtual visits, with iPads on wards to help these conversations to take place. There is also a messaging service in place to provide friends and family with an opportunity to share messages with their loved ones in hospital. Click here for the Stay in Touch service.

For more complete information on visiting permissions and restrictions click here.