Visiting rules at Colchester Hospital’s have been reviewed amid the third national coronavirus lockdown began.

The East Suffolk and North Essex Trust said the move was due to the “significant coronavirus rates in our hospitals”.

Here we have looked at what the rules are:

Maternity

Antenatal and postnatal ward visiting is suspended, apart from in exceptional or compassionate circumstances.

Only the person who is pregnant can attend maternity triage and antenatal appointments.

New mums will be able to have one birthing partner accompany them during labour.

One adult from the same household can also attend 12 and 20-week scans.

Giles Thorpe, chief nurse at the trust, said: “We fully understand these very difficult, but necessary decisions are upsetting for our expectant parents. We’d like to reassure expectant parents in north Essex they will still receive the best care and support on our maternity units.”

General ward visiting

Visiting to all wards, including Critical Care, remains suspended, apart from in exceptional circumstances

This decision will be kept under weekly review, based on coronavirus case numbers and information on how the virus is spreading locally.

Children’s Services

One parent/carer may stay with a child in hospital. Parents/carers within the same support bubble may substitute each other.

Outpatients

Patients must attend appointments alone

Emergency Department

Patients cannot be accompanied, unless they are a child, vulnerable adult or there are exceptional/ compassionate circumstances

Exceptional circumstances for visiting

The hospital will continue to support visiting in exceptional/compassionate circumstances where one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – can visit when, for example:

  • The patient you wish to visit is receiving end-of-life care
  • You are a parent or appropriate adult with a child in hospital
  • You are a carer who may be supporting someone with a learning disability or dementia, for example. Specific visiting guidance is here for carers.

Gazette: Nick HulmeNick Hulme

Mr Hulme said: “We know how difficult it is to not be able to see someone you care about while they’re in hospital and how important it is to accompany someone to an appointment.

“We have to make these changes and tighten restrictions further to keep our patients and staff safe.

“We are still working hard to beat this awful virus and we must continue to do all we can to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”

Anyone with questions about maternity care should call 01206 742369.