Visiting restrictions will be eased at South West Acute Hosptial (SWAH) from tonight, Monday, January 17 but will remain under review.

A Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) spokesperson said: "There remains a continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community and, while pressures including staff absences also continue to be a challenge, the Western Trust understand the significant importance that visiting patients in our hospitals provides.

"Therefore, from 6pm on Monday, January 17, there will be an initial easing of temporary visiting restrictions, across our hospital sites and facilities, which will now allow for one visit per week per patient.

"In order to ensure the continued safety of our patients, staff and families attending there is further important information to be considered by anyone visiting our hospitals or facilities."

The guidance from the Western Trust says that one visitor, from two nominees is permitted to visit SWAH for one hour, once per week.

The visiting week referred to will run from Monday, 17 January (after 6pm) to Sunday, 23 January 2022.

A review of the temporary Visiting Guidance Restrictions will take place again on Monday 24 January, 2022.

In addition, there will also continue to be exceptional circumstances where visiting on a more regular basis is permitted. Temporary visiting restrictions do not apply to birthing partners attending appointments to maternity services.