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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Visiting times for Altnagelvin, South West Acute and Omagh Hospital extended

The Western Trust has increased the number of people allowed to visit their loved ones in hospitals.

Visiting had been suspended at Altnagelvin, the South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital for much of the time during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Trust, some original restrictions have remained in place when it comes to people visiting their acute and community hospitals.

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We've had a full look at the current rules for the two Trusts that cover most of Co Derry.

Western Trust

From Monday 23 May 2022 the Western Trust is easing its visiting restrictions to allow for one visit, for one hour per day per patient from three nominated visitors.

Exceptions will also continue to apply in some areas. All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday 6 June 2022.

Maternity

Meanwhile, Maternity Services will move to allow one visit, one hour per day from two nominated adults at the same agreed time, however, consideration will be given outside this in exceptional or individual circumstances.

This will also need to be agreed with midwife in charge.

ICU

One daily visit from one of three nominated individuals can be permitted, where this can be accommodated within COVID secure environments. Visiting will be more flexible in exceptional circumstances.

A spokesperson said: "The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore visitors to healthcare facilities are encouraged to please continue with adherence to infection prevention and control measures in our efforts to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 into high risk and vulnerable settings."

Northern Trust

One of two nominated people can visit every day where this can be accommodated within COVID-19 secure environments. Prior arrangement with the ward nurse in charge is necessary.

Where the person visiting requires assistance, they should inform the ward at the time of booking and discuss with the nurse in charge.

Maternity

We would request that your partner/visitor take a Lateral Flow Test prior to attendance at hospitals. Please do not attend if the test is positive and follow Department of Health guidance.

Face coverings are required within a healthcare setting.

This applies to all maternity outpatients services within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including clinics within the community, Causeway Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital to reduce risk and better protect our expectant parents and babies within the unit.

ICU

One of two nominated people can visit every day where this can be accommodated.

Prior arrangement with ward nurse in charge is essential.

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