Hospitals across County Durham and Darlington have some new arrangement in place as part of their continued response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since 15 June, in a change to visiting restrictions, all patients are allowed a one hour visit per day by a relative or close friend. Allowances for visiting arrangements already in place for parents of sick children, women in labour and patients receiving end of life care will continue.
Visitors are asked to telephone the hospital ward before visiting.
Anyone attending hospital for any purpose should also note national guidance requires them to wear a face covering at all times during any hospital attendance. This can be a scarf, bandana or fabric mask etc.
In the interests of social distancing patients attending an outpatient appointment or the Trust’s emergency departments are asked to attend on their own unless they need the support of a parent, carer or advocate.
Noel Scanlon, Executive Director of Nursing at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said “We recognise that the suspension of visiting has been distressing for many patients and those close to them. We hope this change to visiting restrictions will help families.
“It’s important to note, however, that while the number of cases of Covid-19 nationally may be going down, there’s a long way to go and it still poses a significant threat to patients and our staff. Minimising hospital transmission continues to be one of our priorities and, hopefully, will also help increase public confidence in accessing our services once again.”
