Visiting restrictions relaxed at some Sheffield hospitals
It means more people will be able to see their loved ones
Rules for visiting patients at some South Yorkshire hospitals are being relaxed from this morning.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has decided to ease some of the restrictions of seeing people at Northern General, Hallamshire Hospital, Weston Park Cancer Centre and Jessop Wing.
Most patients will be able to have up to two visitors, unless they're having an operation or are on a Covid-19 ward.
Visits to critical care patients will be decided on an individual basis. Children under the age of 16 won't be able to visit unless there are exceptional circumstances.
At Jessop Wing kids will be able to visit expectant mothers if they are siblings or step siblings.
All people stepping onto wards will have to take a Covid-19 test, wear masks and wash hands before and after visiting.
Professor Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Following careful consideration the decision has been taken to further adjust visiting restrictions for some patients.
"We are aware that we still have relatively high rates of infection in the community but also feel this has to be balanced with the importance of visiting for patients’ wellbeing.
"Unlike previously, the majority of people are double vaccinated which we know reduces the risk of transmission too.
"However, we will continue to monitor the situation and if necessary review visiting arrangements accordingly."