Royal Preston Hospital ease visiting restrictions
The new restrictions come in from today
Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital are easing adult inpatient visiting restrictions today (Friday 18 February 2022) to allow patients to be able to spend important time with their loved ones.
A controlled booking system will be reinstated to enable one visitor per patient to visit once per day up to a maximum of one hour.
Visiting will be permitted between the hours of 6pm – 7pm seven days per week and arrangements must be made directly with the ward.
Parents visiting their child on the children's ward are now both able to be present with their child.
Negative lateral flow test required
In order to gain access to the ward, all visitors are required to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
This means testing prior to attending the hospital and demonstrating the negative test before entering the ward area.
Additionally, all visitors, unless exempt, must also wear a face mask and any PPE that the clinical area recommends.
The hospital has asked for people to be aware that some specific wards or areas may still have visiting restrictions in place, so visitors should always contact the ward in advance.
What are the changes to Adult Inpatient visiting?
Patients receiving End of Life Care can now have a maximum of 2 nominated people visit.
There is also extended visiting to one nominated person to provide carers support to patients with additional needs, including patients with a cognitive impairment / learning disability / autism / visual / auditory impairment / language barriers. Other needs may be allowed but please discuss with the clinical team.
What about Maternity Unit visits?
The easing of restrictions means that two birthing partners can be in attendance for labour and birth on Delivery Suite.
One named partner can also provide support on the Maternity Wards at all times, and one support partner can attend all hospital outpatient appointments and all scans.
Both parents are able to be present with their child in neonatal unit visits.
Additional information on these changes can be found on the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals website.