Visiting restrictions to be introduced from 5 November 2020

In response to the rise in coronavirus cases in our area and to maintain the safety of patients and staff, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust will introduce new visiting restrictions to its hospitals from 00.01am on Thursday 5 November 2020.

The visiting restrictions from Thursday 5 November will be:

• Adult inpatients: All visiting will be suspended for our adult inpatients. Exceptions can be made under compassionate grounds or if the patient has specific needs that require the support of a carer, including vulnerable patients with dementia or learning disabilities, patients with a key carer, and patients receiving end-of-life care.
• Child inpatients: Visitors to our children's wards are restricted to one immediate family member or carer on the ward at any one time. A maximum of two family members or carers can be named as visitors, but only one will be allowed on the ward at any one time.
• Maternity: A nominated non-symptomatic birthing partner is allowed to accompany the patient at the 12 and 20 week scans and during labour and the birth. No visitors will be allowed on the maternity ward at any other time. For babies who need to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), non-symptomatic parents can visit.

These changes do not come into effect until 00.01am on Thursday 5 November 2020. People are asked to visit www.uhbw.nhs.uk/p/coronavirus for the latest information about visiting at our hospitals. The information currently on the website is correct for 3 and 4 November. The website will be updated with the arrangements ahead of their introduction on Thursday 5 November 2020.

Carolyn Mills, chief nurse at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These restrictions are not being introduced lightly, but given the rise in coronavirus cases in our area, it is important that we limit the amount of people at our hospitals to protect our patients and staff. Exceptions can be made under compassionate grounds or if a patient has specific needs, with the agreement of the nurse in charge of the ward.

“We know it is important for our patients to keep in contact with family and friends and we will support them where possible to make use of any telephone or video calls so they can keep in contact with their loved ones. We appreciate this is a difficult time and would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support to help us keep our patients, staff and community safe.”

Patients are asked to continue to attend planned hospital appointments unless they are advised otherwise. Patients do not need to call to check that a booked appointment is going ahead. We will be in touch if anything changes. Patients are asked to come to their appointment alone unless they need a carer or require emotional support.

People are also asked to ‘Think Hands, Face, Space’ when you are with us by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask in the hospital at all times, and keeping 2 metres’ space between you and others.

You must not visit under any circumstances if you have a new continuous cough, high temperature or have an unexplained loss/change in your normal sense of smell or taste. For more information and guidance on coronavirus, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus