Blackpool Victoria Hospital visiting times updated - here's what you need to know

Blackpool Victoria Hospital has relaxed its pandemic-related restrictions on visitors.
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Patients can now have one visitor for a specified hour each day, with slots set for 2-3pm, 4.30-5.30pm, or 7-8pm.

However, it said it "may have to reinforce restrictions at short notice" amid fear the country is at the start of a second Covid-19 wave.

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IMPORTANT UPDATE - Monday, September 14, 2020: Visitors again restricted at Blackpool Victoria HospitalAnd it said that "wherever possible" meetings with relatives, carers, and advocates "should be done remotely".

Blackpool Victoria HospitalBlackpool Victoria Hospital
Blackpool Victoria Hospital

In a bid to slow the spread of the virus, visitors were banned at the start of the outbreak, except in "exceptional circumstances", including loved ones being by a dying patient's side.

Inpatients

One visitor per patient is allowed.

In exceptional circumstances, two visitors from the same household or bubble may be allowed to visit, including for longer, if the nurse in charge agrees.

No under-16s are allowed except in "compassionate circumstances". These must also be arranged in advance with ward staff.

Outpatients

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Outpatients are allowed one person to attend their appointments with them as long as they comply with the rules, which are set out below (except for maternity).

Antenatal

One person can attend the 20 week scan. For all other appointments, an extra person can attend if previously agreed due to a specific need.

However, the hospital is still asking people to go to their antenatal appointments alone if they can.

End of life

An additional immediate family member will be allowed if they're in the patient's bubble

Maternity

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The birthing partner can visit the delivery suite and birth centre for the duration.

They can also visit Ward D between 8am-8pm.

Children

Visiting is still restricted to one parent, who can also stay with their child. It's interchangeable, with the handover taking place off the ward.

No siblings are allowed.

Other visitors may be allowed in exceptional circumstances with the agreement of the nurse in charge.

All services

An extra nominated individual - who are not classed as a visitor - can be there to provide support to meet a patient's individual needs, which may include:

* Mental health issues;

* Cognitive impairments;

* Communication challenges, such as being deaf or blind;

* When the patient is receiving significant or bad news;

* When English is not the patient's first language; and

* Mobility assistance.

Restrictions

Visitors must not attend an appointment with a patient:

* If they are Covid-19 positive;

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* If they are isolating because they've been in contact with someone who is Covid-19 positive;

* If they are isolating after returning from overseas;

* If they have been contacted by the Test and Trace programme to say they've had contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19;

* If they have any symptoms of Covid-19;

* If they are shielding due to anticipated surgery; and

* If any local or national restrictions are in place that would not support inpatient visiting.

Visitors and patients should cleanse their hands on entering and leaving the hospital - this "stops other germs", health bosses said - and while entering and leaving clinical areas.

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