Norfolk and Waveney patients will see no change in area hospitals, GP offices or community services when restrictions are lifted next week.
Health chiefs said patients had communicated that the restrictions remaining in place made them safer and protected vulnerable people as well as staff.
Here’s what you need to know about health care attendance starting July 19:
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
– Credit: QEH
Visit restrictions
Inpatients may have one person appointed throughout their stay for one hour per day.
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Visits must be booked through hospital reservation systems and require proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, taken no later than 72 hours before each visit.
When people cannot visit loved ones in person, virtual tours can be arranged.
Exceptions are made for end-of-life care or those accompanying a child, or a vulnerable patient with learning disabilities, autism or dementia.
At Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, visits are not permitted to its protected and elective surgical wards.
James Paget University Hospital
– Credit: Copyright: Archant 2019
Masks and social distancing
All hospitals and general practitioners in the region will continue to apply masks and social distancing.
Existing one-way systems will remain in place and staff, patients and visitors must wash or disinfect their hands.
Additional PPE will be offered in high risk areas and in case of contact with anyone known or suspected to have Covid.
Patients are asked to stay alone at A&E
A&E
All hospitals ask those in need of A&E treatment to come on their own.
Exceptions to this rule apply to those accompanying a child or vulnerable patient, or those who are seriously ill or receiving end-of-life care.
Restrictions remain in place for maternity services after July 19
– Credit: PA
Maternity
The restrictions will continue with someone able to attend maternity appointments, all ultrasounds, and work with their pregnant partner.
At Queen Elizabeth Hospital, partners can visit antenatal and postnatal services between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
It’s between noon and 6 p.m. at the NNUH.
Women in labor are excluded from wearing masks, but when attending antenatal or postnatal outpatient appointments, they must also wear a face covering.
A negative test is required.
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
– Credit: Nick Butcher
Children’s quarters
Rules in place at the Trust’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) state that both parents can attend the NNUH ward.
At QEH, both parents can visit, one at a time during the 24 hour period, but can speak to the ward to come together.
In children’s wards, a patient or caregiver may stay with a child.
Appointment
Outpatient appointments should be attended alone unless accompanying a child or vulnerable patient, or those who are critically ill or receiving end-of-life care.
