Published on 19 April 2021
Visiting arrangements for people receiving treatment as inpatients across East Kent Hospitals have been updated.
The new arrangements came into effect on Saturday and allow visitors who have had a negative lateral flow test for Covid-19 to visit a loved one for up to an hour a day.
One person can visit at a time, between the hours of 2pm and 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm, providing they have tested negative for the virus, do not have any symptoms, and no one from their household is isolating.
Up to four close family members can visit a patient receiving end-of-life care, with a maximum of two from the same household or bubble visiting at the same time.
One person can accompany a patient in the emergency department if they are seriously ill or injured, and one parent or guardian can visit their child or stay with them on the ward if appropriate.
Arrangements for maternity services have also been updated, with partners or another adult now welcome to attend antenatal appointments and the12 and 20-week scans. Partners continue to be welcome to support during labour and birth.
People coming into hospitals can bring their own tablet, iPad or smartphone to stay in touch with friends and relatives while they are on the ward.
For more information, see https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/news-centre/latest-news/coronavirus-latest-information-and-advice/
