Altnagelvin visiting suspended due to rise in COVID-19

Bob Brown, Director of Nursing and Primary Care and Older Peoples Services at the Western Health & Social Care Trust, announced the move on Wednesday.

He said: "Our priority is to safeguard and protect people who are receiving care and also to protect our staff."

Visiting at Gransha, the South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital remains unchanged.

Dr. Brown said the Trust will continue to review these arrangements in line with the prevalence of Covid-19 in the community.

Visiting will only be permitted under very special circumstances at Altnagelvin Hospital.

These circumstances include: PAEDIATRICS/NEONATAL: Any babies/children being treated can be accompanied by one parent or carer at a time.

MATERNITY: One nominated partner may accompany a woman attending for the following scan appointments: Dating Scan, 19 week Anomaly Scan, and Fetal Medicine Scan. There are no visitors permitted in ante-natal or post-natal ward areas. A birthing partner can be present during active labour and up to 1 hour after birth.

PALLIATIVE (end of life) Care: One visitor to be permitted to visit - duration and timing of the visit must be agreed in advance with the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse.

Dementia & Learning Disability: Those patients with dementia or a learning disability who would benefit from having a loved one at their bedside, for a short period of time to be agreed with the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse.

Those visitors who are allowed to attend must wear face coverings social distance, wash hands and use sanitisers when entering and exiting Altnagelvin Hospital.

People should not visit if they are feeling unwell, especially if they have a high temperature or new persistent cough or have a sudden loss of taste or smell.

Children are not permitted to visit.

Dr. Brown stated: "The Trust acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for the public and we ask them to work with us to help minimise the spread of this virus. We would appeal to patients and visitors to respect our staff and the guidance they give at all times. The Trust operates a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy and we will not accept any form of abuse towards our staff.

‘Virtual visiting remains the preferred method of visiting. Virtual visiting can be facilitated by use of smartphone or tablet. Altnagelvin Hospital has access to free Wi-Fi and staff can help set this up."

The Trust has also asked people only to attend the Altnagelvin and SWAH A&E departments alone.

"If someone is attending our Emergency Department, they are encouraged to do so alone. Children under 16 receiving treatment can be accompanied by one parent for the duration of their care journey.

"Vulnerable or elderly adults with communication difficulties can also be accompanied by a family member or carer. This must be the same person for the duration of their journey within the Emergency Department," Dr. Brown stated.