West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust remind public of strict visiting rules as lockdown eases

Strict visiting restrictions remain in place across all West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic but patients can still keep in contact with their loved ones.

The West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust operates Hemel Hempstead, Watford General and St Albans City hospitals.

Chief nurse Tracey Carter is keen to remind the public that no visitors are allowed on hospital sites except in exceptional circumstances.

These include accompanying a woman in labour as a birthing partner and visiting a patient receiving end of life care.

Tracey said: “We know that as lockdown restrictions are lifting that people may feel that life is getting more or less back to normal but unfortunately that’s not the case for the NHS.

"COVID-19 hasn’t gone away and is still an ever present threat.

"As the NHS celebrates its 72 nd birthday on Sunday 5 July we’d like to say thank you to the public for doing everything they can to support the NHS and to please continue helping us by staying away from our sites.

"This will help us to keep our patients and staff safe.”

Other safety measures in place include wearing face coverings or masks if you are attending for an appointment, and following hand hygiene and social distancing guidance.

The trust has created a number of new initiatives to help keep patients in touch with their families as the absence of contact can add extra worry to an already stressful time.

This includes a family liaison call back service which has been set up to provide families with daily updates on the health and welfare of their loved one.

A visitor helpline has also been created which can deal with general enquiries, signposting to other available services or for arranging to bring in personal items. The visitor helpline can be reached on 01923 436799.

Face-to-face contact between patients and their loved ones is hugely important. The trust has provided over 250 iPads for patients, who do not have their own device, to be able to video call their loved ones.

A messaging service has also been established, allowing friends and family to send ‘Letters to a loved one’. Unlimited messages, including photos, can be sent in via email or telephone which will be printed out and hand delivered to any patient in the trust. Email: [email protected] or call 01923 436799.

Patient experience lead nurse, Colette Datt, said: “Staying in hospital can be a worrying time for patients and their loved ones and the COVID-19 pandemic has added many additional concerns.

"With the change in visiting restrictions not allowing personal contact with family, it’s vital for us to do what we can to ensure our patients feel connected and supported during their hospital stay.

"We’ve had some fantastic feedback from patients and relatives and it’s wonderful to know the initiatives we’ve brought in are making a difference.”