Visiting has resumed on inpatient wards at Russells Hall Hospital with visitors needing to book online in advance.

One visitor per patient per day is permitted for a 45 minute slot.

Visitors will be able to book up to 24 hours in advance with overall numbers also limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the ward’s patient numbers at any one time. Chief nurse Mary Sexton said:

“I am really delighted to welcome back visitors to our wards. We know it has been a very difficult time for those unable to see loved ones during their hospital stay.

“During the last 18 months of the pandemic, we have followed national guidance to keep our patients and our staff as safe as possible.

“However, we have always supported compassionate visits in exceptional circumstances, for example when a patient is receiving end of life care.”

All visitors will be required to wear a surgical face mask, adhere to the two-metre social distancing rule while they are on site and maintain good hand hygiene.

The online booking system, which can be accessed via the trust's website at dgft.nhs.uk, will also record visitor details necessary for Track and Trace.

Anyone feeling unwell for any reason is urged not to visit the hospital and anyone with a positive Covid test result, or showing signs of Covid, must not visit.