URGENT – Visiting update: Changes to visiting arrangements at Swansea Bay hospitals are being made in response to rising cases of confirmed Covid-19 in Swansea and the imminent local restrictions.

 

The safety of patients and staff is our top priority, which means we will be restricting visiting from Saturday, 26th September, ahead of the lockdown measures on Sunday 27th.

 

As well as protecting patients and staff, reducing footfall on our sites this way will also help to prevent the further spread of the virus more generally. This will apply to all our hospitals.

From the 26th, visits will be limited to:

 

• A birth partner during childbirth
• Patients receiving end-of-life care
• Patients who have mental health issues such as dementia, or a learning disability or a condition like autism where not having a visitor would cause the patient to be distressed
• One parent or carer to accompany a child in hospital

 

But if you have any Covid-19 symptoms you must NOT visit any of our sites, even if the patient you want to visit falls into one of these categories. Stay at home and arrange a test. Ring 01639 862757.

 

We will be supporting virtual visiting as much as possible, using ipads and tablets, and also telephone visiting.

 

Arrangements will be re-introduced for the dropping off and collecting of patient clothing and toiletries where this is possible, and we will also use items which we have in stock following a generous response to a public appeal earlier this year.

 

We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause, but hope that families and friends will understand this is all about keeping their loved ones safe.

 

These visiting arrangements will be kept under review, and we hope to be in a position to allow more visiting in future when the threat of the virus recedes.

 

Everyone can do their part to ensure this happens as soon as possible by following the rules – keeping a safe distance, washing hands regularly/using alcohol rubs and wearing a face-covering when needed.