Southport and Ormskirk hospitals have issued a warning to friends and family visiting patients.
Open visiting is still not possible because both hospitals are still admitting patients with Covid-19.
However, patients whose relatives need to be taught aspects of their care ahead of discharge, children who need the support of mum and dad, or their legal guardian, patients very close to the end of life, the partners of mums-to-be and patients with dementia, a learning disability, autism or other similar complex condition where not having a familiar face present would cause them distress, are allowed the support of friends and relatives.
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Visitors are also being asked to wear a surgical face-covering when visiting hospital.
Gloves and a disposable apron when visiting an inpatient are provided by the Trust.
Support visits to a general ward must be booked in advance. These are limited to a maximum of an hour and only one visitor is allowed at a time.
Separate arrangements are in place for visits to maternity, the children’s ward and spinal injuries.
All visitors should provide a same-day lateral flow test for Covid-19.
Test kits are available free from local pharmacies as well as online. Anyone testing positive will need to follow up with a PCR test a local testing centre.
No one should visit hospital if they have Covid-19 symptoms or have been identified as a Covid contact.
On arrival at hospital, visitors’ temperatures will be checked and they will be asked about possible Covid symptoms.
Anyone with a raised temperature or Covid symptoms will not be able to visit.
Both hospitals are also able to offer remote visiting using Zoom.
Andrew Chalmers, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said: “It is hugely important that family and friends help us keep our hospital safe for our vulnerable patients."
