Since Monday 16 March we have limited visiting to our hospitals to help tackle the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in order to protect both our patients and our staff who care for them.
In light of the developing COVID-19 situation, we now need to go further.
With immediate effect from today (Monday 23 March) we will not allow any visitors to our hospitals – with a few exceptions:
* Maternity – 1 birth partner only. Strictly no other children.
* Paediatrics – 1 parent/guardian only. Strictly no siblings.
* Patients at the end of life – in the difficult and upsetting circumstances where patients may be at the end of their life, the nurse or midwife in charge will enable up to one visitor per patient to spend time with their loved one.
* Advocates/visitors who are required to make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have the capacity to make decisions for themselves
On arrival to any ward or department, all visitors should immediately wash their hands and report to the nurse in charge. Visitors must also wash their hands or use the hand gel when they leave wards or departments.
Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer says: “Please help us to help you by complying with these rules. Thank you for your support at this challenging time for the NHS both locally and nationally.”
Caroline Rouse
Foundation Trust Governor and Membership Manager
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust