Two named visitors are now allowed per day to adult inpatient wards at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.
The change was introduced today (Tuesday May 3) by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust safely reinstated visiting at the start of March, following a very challenging winter period which saw a huge rise in the numbers of COVID-19 infections in the local community and hospital admissions.
As the rates of infections began to drop the Trust took the decision to ease visiting restrictions and opened an appointment system so adult patients staying in hospital could have one named person visit them each day.
Given the COVID-19 levels continue to slowly decrease, the Trust will further ease restrictions and allow two visitors on its adult inpatient wards each day from Tuesday.
Pregnant women continue to be able to be accompanied by one person during all antenatal appointments and will be able to have two birthing partners with them during labour and delivery.
Given that COVID-19 is still circulating and a danger to older and more vulnerable patients, everyone coming into the hospitals is asked to wear a face mask, regularly wash their hands and keep a social distance at all times.
Visitors must also wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and apron during their visit.
Visiting in exceptional circumstances, such as at end of life or to support carers provide essential support to patients with dementia or a learning disability, will continue as it has done throughout the pandemic and will be at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
In addition, anyone coming into the Trust’s urgent care or emergency departments can be accompanied by one other person.
This is also the case for those attending outpatient departments.
Children accessing hospital services can have both parents/carers with them.
The Trust will continue to provide virtual visiting via iPads for patients who do not have the means to contact family and friends and will continue to pass on messages, letters and photos through its #SendingLove scheme.
Full details of the scheme can be found by clicking here.
Details about visiting restrictions can be found by clicking here.
