Inpatients
Throughout the pandemic, wherever it has been safe to do so, we have done all we can to allow visiting to continue – albeit with restrictions in place.
However, following a sharp increase in reported cases of Covid-19 in our area, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend visiting to all but our most vulnerable patients.
Visiting will be decided on a case-by-case basis, where patients:
- Are receiving end of life care
- Have a learning disability
- Have dementia
- Are experiencing detrimental emotional or mental wellbeing issues as a result of visiting restrictions.
Visiting can be arranged by contacting the ward directly to discuss this further – although we ask that only one person does this and shares the information with friends and family. This will help keep our staff free to provide care to your loved one and our other patients.
All visitors are required to undertake a lateral flow test before their visit and be able to show proof of a negative result. Evidence will be in the form of a screen shot image or text message from the gov.uk website or a date stamped photograph. Information on ordering testing kits and reporting results to gov.uk can be found online.
If you are a named visitor of a family member or friend in hospital, you will need to:
- Wear a face mask or covering: All visitors will be required to wear a surgical face mask (unless exempt) throughout their time in hospital. Visitors should wear their own face covering before swapping it for a face mask on entry to the hospital or ward they are visiting
- Wash your hands: You must wash your hands, regularly with soap and water or the hand gel provided, especially before and after you leave a ward
- Keep a safe distance: All visitors must maintain social distancing to help control the virus and keep patients, other visitors and staff safe.
If you have a continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste, please do not visit at all. If you are concerned that you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) please stay at home and visit www.nhs.uk to find out what to do.
If you are a named visitor and experience difficulties in arranging an appointment, support will be available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday through the patient contact helpline on 03033 306666 or nlg-tr.twpatientcontacthelpline@nhs.net.
Due to ongoing building works, car parking will be limited at both Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospital. Patients and visitors are reminded of the Park and Ride service for Scunthorpe hospital and are encouraged to consider alternative means of transport where possible.
The Patient Experience team can also help you keep in touch with someone in hospital, please email nlg-tr.patientexperience@nhs.net for support or check the Coronavirus page for more information.
Maternity
Appointments and scans
Partners are now able to attend all antenatal scans and appointments at Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals.
All women and their partners attending outpatient appointments and scans are required to wear a face covering, follow social distancing rules and take a lateral flow test before their visit. Evidence of the result should be provided. If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus, you should not attend but please contact your midwife.
The partner attending may be asked to remain outside the building whilst waiting for the appointment.
No children can attend any appointments or visit the wards.
Lateral flow tests are readily available from any pharmacy free of charge or from www.gov.uk and should ideally be carried out twice a week.
Maternity inpatients
One birth partner can attend twice a day for a six-hour time slot should their partner be in the maternity hospital in the antenatal or postnatal period. Birth partners are welcome to be with their partner during labour and delivery and this is not time dependant.
Visiting timeslots can be booked by ringing the ward and it is crucial that partners:
- wear a face mask
- have taken a lateral flow test and can provide evidence of the result
- do not attend if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms
Lateral flow tests are readily available from any pharmacy free of charge or from www.gov.uk and should ideally be carried out twice a week.
For more information, please contact your midwife.
Children
If your child is admitted to hospital, one parent or guardian can remain with them throughout their stay but again, must wear a mask, adhere to social distancing and provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
Thank you for your understanding.
