Families will soon be allowed to visit relatives in hospital again after restrictions were imposed due to coronavirus
FAMILIES will soon be allowed to see loved ones in hospital again after health chiefs lifted restrictions on visiting rules.
NHS England issued guidance in early April that suspended visits in most cases in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.
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But it now says decisions on visiting are subject to “local discretion” by individual trusts, in a major boost to sick Brits.
Patients will typically be limited to one visitor at a time but a second may be allowed if social distancing rules can be maintained.
Visitors will have to wear a mask or face covering at all times and should contact the ward to seek permission before attending.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, such as a persistent new cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, must stay away.
The NHS England guidance says: “The national suspension on visiting imposed under that guidance is now lifted. Visiting shall instead be subject to local discretion by trusts and other NHS bodies.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, communities and individuals and teams remain our absolute priority.”
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is among those to have started welcoming visitors and will lift restrictions in phases.
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It said on its Facebook page: “The national suspension on visiting has now been lifted and we are very pleased to be able to start welcoming visitors back to our hospitals.
“We appreciate how hard it has been to keep in touch with loved ones who are in hospital with these restrictions in place.
“We’d like to thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.”
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