23 July 2020

The Gynaecology Ward at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) will be the first to trial a new policy for visitors.

Strict rules will remain in place to protect patients, visitors and staff, and to ensure that social distancing guidelines can be met. If successful, the new visiting policy will be rolled out across other wards at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Visitors to the Gynaecology Ward will be asked to observe the following rules:

• Only one person is permitted to visit the patient throughout their admission
• All visitors must book a time to visit
• Each visiting slot is for 50 minutes only
• Visitors must provide their contact details when booking an appointment
• Visitors must adhere to Trust Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies
• Visitors must ensure they are washing their hands regularly
• Visitors must stay by the patient’s bedside at all times. Should they require a member of staff they are to use the nurse call bell

Maggie Bayley, Interim Chief Nurse at SaTH, said: “We are pleased to be taking this step forward in the reintroduction of visiting to our hospitals.

“Protecting patients and staff is our top priority and while it is not the right time to lift our restrictions completely, we are working hard to make sure we reinstate visiting in a safe and compassionate way.

“We would like to say thank you for the continued understanding shown by our patients and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Today’s announcement follows on from updated guidance for visitors to SaTH’s Maternity Services, Fertility Services and Neonatal Unit, which was announced earlier this week.

When you visit, please make sure you:
• Wear a face covering. This will be provided to you on arrival at the hospital
• Observe social distancing at all times and wash/sanitise your hands regularly
• Do not visit if you if you have COVID-19 symptoms, including: High temperature, a new continuous cough, loss or change in sense of smell, loss or change in sense of taste