The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) has suspended all visiting to their hospitals and facilities including the South West Acute Hospital due to the very high levels of COVID-19 transmission.
Having assessed all elements of risk and in order to protect patients, visitors and staff, the decision has been made by Trust to temporarily suspend visiting from midnight on Thursday, January 14, 2021.
The Trust said: "While we recognise that restriction to visiting is a very emotive and difficult issue, often causing distress for families, patients and residents, it is essential that these updated visiting restrictions are effectively applied to help bring the transmission of COVID-19 under control."
There will again be certain exceptional circumstances which have been highlighted and which will continue to apply – see diagram below.
If you are permitted to visit Hospital or a Care Facility under any of the special circumstances above you must wear a face covering, thoroughly wash your hands or use sanitiser when entering and exiting that facility.
They are asking the public not to visit if they are feeling unwell, especially if theyhave a high temperature or new persistent cough or have a sudden loss of taste or smell.
Children are not permitted to visit.
The Trust acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for the public and ask that they work with them and appeal to patients and visitors to respect staff and the guidance given at all times. The Trust operates a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy and will not accept any form of abuse towards their staff.
Virtual Visiting
A ‘virtual visit’ can be arranged with a relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and staff can help set this up.
"We are very sorry to have to move to this position of suspending visiting to all our hospitals and facilities as we understand how important this is for people, but we must immediately apply this in the best interest of the health and safety for everyone until such time as the transmission of COVID-19 reduces.
"The guidance will be kept under constant review and we will update you when the position changes."
For further information on visiting any Western Trust hospital or Facility – Click Here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here