A HOSPITAL trust has lifted restrictions on visiting patients after they were brought in over Covid concerns.
Patients being treated by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are now able to welcome visitors again, the trust has confirmed.
Visiting will be limited to one person per patient on an appointment basis for up to one hour at a time.
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Chief nurse Lindsey Robertson said: “We know being in hospital alone can be an isolating experience for patients and we understand how important it is to have loved ones there to offer support.
“Equally, we recognise that for families, visiting a patient can help to ease the anxiety and worry of having a loved one who is unwell.
“We are therefore pleased to welcome visitors once again so that our patients can have that love and support which is so vital.
“We ask that any visitors please contact the hospital wards directly to book a timeslot, continue to wear face masks and practice good hand hygiene in our buildings.
“Thank you for your continued patience and support.”
Visitor slots can be booked directly through the hospital ward or service area.
All visitors need to take a lateral flow test before visitng and provide evidence of a negative result.
This applies to visitors at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Anyone who is considering visiting but feels unwell is asked not to attend.
Visitors will still not be allowed to go into areas with patients who have Covid-19. Visiting may also be restricted in times of any infection outbreak management.
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All visitors must also wear a face mask – available at reception areas – at all times and wash their hands when entering and leaving ward areas.
Where patients are receiving dementia care (John’s Campaign) or end of life care, visiting measures are more open. Patients’ families and friends are asked to contact the ward to discuss these circumstances.
To book an appointment, members of the public are asked to contact the trust’s main switchboard number on 01642 617 617 and ask for the ward they wish to visit.
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