Coronavirus: Western Trust to phase chaplaincy service back in at Altnagelvin and other hospitals

From Friday, May 1, chaplains will be allowed to visit certain patients in Trust hospitals.

The measure is being introduced on a phased basis.

Back in March the service was suspended and alternative pastoral care methods were put in place, including virtual visiting through the use of mobile technology).

A spokesperson said: "This decision was made at a time when the Trust was planning to manage a large surge in COVID-19 positive patients and minimised staff visits to wards.

"The re-introduction of the Chaplaincy Service will include Trust Chaplains visiting patients on non-COVID wards who are close to the end of life, at the request of the patient/ family.

"This will be arranged between the Ward and the Chaplain with strict visiting instructions to visit only one patient. There will also be a patient-specific option for a Trust Chaplain to visit a suspect or positive COVID patient in a COVID-ward including ICU/HDU with the permission of the patient’s Consultant and the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse.

"Trust Chaplains will be provided with appropriate PPE. This decision will be kept under review as the situation develops."