Visiting restrictions across the hospitals ran by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) will change from Monday 7 September 2020.
Sue Smith OBE, Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “In March, we had to make the difficult decision to restrict all inpatient visiting across our hospitals due to the risks associated with COVID-19.
“We know how difficult this has been for our patients and their loved ones, and we are really pleased that we can now start to gradually relax the restrictions.
From Monday 7 September, the following visiting restrictions will be in place:
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Patients who have been in hospital for more than 48 hours will be permitted one visitor per 24-hour period.
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Each ward is assigned one-hour visiting slots per 24-hour period in order to manage visitor numbers
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Slots are limited. To manage these fairly and compassionately, this could mean there are not always slots available to book
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Some wards may remain closed to visitors. You will be advised accordingly if there are any areas with restricted access
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If a patient moves ward, this does not automatically mean that any booked visits will be transferred to the new ward. This will need to be discussed upon transfer
Each ward has a designated ward coordinator who can book visiting slots. To book a slot, visitors need to call the relevant hospital’s switchboard on the numbers below every day between 10am - 3pm, and asked to be transferred to the ward they would like to visit:
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Barrow: 01229 870870
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Kendal: 01539 732288
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Lancaster: 01524 65944
There are some exceptions to the above rules. One visitor is permitted to visit outside of the one-hour slots if:
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The patient is receiving end-of-life care
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The visitor is a birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour or to their 20-week scan
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The visitor is a parent or appropriate adult visiting their child
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The visitor is supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability, autism, or something similar - where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed. For patients with dementia, John’s campaign is available for one family member/carer to visit and support the patient as needed.
Visitors for the above must still be agreed with the nurse in charge of the ward before attending the hospital.
To enable patients to keep that important contact with their family and friends, the Trust has put a number of things in place, including:
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Teams across the Trust are encouraging patients to keep in touch via their smartphone or tablet if they are able to
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A small supply of iPads is available in each hospital to allow patients to video call their family and friends
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Relatives and friends can share messages with their loved ones in hospital by filling in the form on the Trust’s website at: https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/get-in-touch/staying-connected-your-lovedones. The message is then delivered direct to the patient
When visiting our hospitals we ask that you:
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Wear a face mask or covering (please supply your own)
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Make sure you observe social distancing at all times
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Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
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Parking at our hospitals is limited. Please consider alternative travel arrangements or use public transport wherever possible. Visit https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/visiting-our-hospitals/parking-facilities for more information
We ask you not to visit our hospitals if:
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You are COVID-19 positive
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You are isolating as a contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive.
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You have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and have been told to self-isolate
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You have any symptoms of COVID-19
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You are shielding due to anticipated surgery
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You live somewhere with local lockdown restrictions in place
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You have recently returned from a country with quarantine rules
Sue concluded: “The support we have had from our patients and the local communities has been second to none and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding during this incredibly difficult time.
“We will, of course, keep these restrictions under review and update everyone if any further changes are to be made.”