Review of visiting arrangements

30th July 2021

Throughout the Covid pandemic, Belfast Trust visiting arrangements have followed the Regional Principles of Visiting Guidelines. This remains the relevant guidance.

Since the beginning of July 2021, Covid rates have increased rapidly, raising concerns about the number of people coming to our hospitals. Therefore, due to increasing transmissions across a number of our sites, the Trust has had to revise current visiting arrangements as outlined below.

COVID-19 secure advice:

• social distancing of 2 metres
• hand hygiene and personal hygiene measures
• use of PPE when required
• face coverings

Please check with your relative’s ward to see if you meet the exceptions for visiting on the ward.

1. Where possible, the Trust will facilitate two visits per week by two nominated relatives. Visits are by appointment only (made in advance) for a specified time and day and for a duration of no longer than one hour. Visitors must follow the above Covid-19 secure advice and this will be kept under review.
2. Where it is risk assessed as greater risk to the care of the patients within certain specialities, the Trust will facilitate one visit per week by one nominated relative. Visits are by appointment only (made in advance) for a specified time and day and for a duration of no longer than one hour. Visitors must follow the above Covid-19 secure advice and this will be kept under review.
3. Where it is risk assessed to the care of the patients within certain specialities, the Trust will not facilitate visiting unless carers are required to support communication for their relatives or for end of life situations. Such areas include Emergency Departments, wards with active Covid-19 outbreaks and intensive care units (ICUs). This will be kept under review.
4. Birth partners will be allowed to accompany the pregnant woman to: dating scan, early pregnancy clinic, anomaly scan, Foetal Medicine Department, individual room for active labour (to be determined by midwife) and birth.
5. Any child admitted can be accompanied by one of two nominated parents / care givers at any given time for the duration of their stay.

These arrangements will be regularly reviewed.