Changes to hospital visiting

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has reintroduced restrictions on in-patient visiting to help protect patients and staff and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

From Thursday 31 December, patients in inpatient settings will no longer be allowed to have a visitor.

However, one immediate family member or carer is allowed to visit in the following exceptional circumstances:

· the patient is receiving end-of-life care

· the patient is a child being visited by a parent or appropriate adult;

· the patient has a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability and/or autism and not receiving visits would cause them distress.

The trust said: "We recognise the importance of connecting our patients with their families, friends and carers and therefore recommend virtual visits where possible. All of our wards have been equipped with dedicated tablet computers to make this possible."

Leicestershire Partnership Trust runs several community hospitals in Coalville, Hinckley, Loughborough 

LPT continues to follow national guidance and as such the situation will be continually monitored and visiting guidance may be updated to reflect a change. Visit the Trust’s website for the latest information around visiting arrangements: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/latest/covid-19-latest-information/covid-19-temporary-visiting-restrictions/

LPT’s ‘Message to a Loved One’ service has been established to help in-patients to keep in touch with loved ones while they are in hospital during this time. To find out more about the service please visit: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/contact/patient-advice-and-liaison-service-pals/message-to-a-loved-one/