Visiting restrictions eased at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to relax visiting restrictions at hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole.
From Monday 19 April, those staying in hospital overnight will be able to have one named visitor for up to an hour each day between either 2pm and 3pm, or 6pm and 9pm.
Visitors will be contacted by the ward to go through a screening process and book an appointment. The named visitor must remain the same person throughout the patient’s hospital stay.
The trust added that visiting is strictly by appointment only and anyone turning up without an appointment will be turned away.
Rules regarding personal protective equipment and social distancing remain the same.
Chief Nurse, Ellie Monkhouse, said:
“I am so pleased we are able to begin easing the visiting restrictions in place at our hospitals.
“We understand how difficult it has been for patients and their loved ones being apart and hope this will come as good news to those in our care.
“We look forward to welcoming regular visitors once again, however some restrictions remain for the safety of our patients, visitors and staff.
“All patients and visitors are asked to cooperate with nurse in charge and ward staff when arranging visiting to ensure it remains safe for everyone.”
Visitors are encouraged to carry out a free rapid lateral flow test before visiting the hospital to ensure they do not test positive for Covid-19.
“It can be really hard having limited contact with a loved one in hospital, and while we ease the visiting restrictions, we must continue to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe,” Ellie added.
“All visitors are asked to abide by the new guidelines and not attempt to visit without an appointment.”
Visiting in exceptional circumstances; for those at the end of their lives, vulnerable due to admission-related anxiety, have communication difficulties or dementia, will continue as normal at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
Due to ongoing construction work, parking is limited at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals.
Visitors are advised to consider other modes of transport, or to utilise the Park and Ride scheme.