Outpatients
Due to social distancing in the waiting areas of outpatients it is NOT possible to allow outpatients to have an accompanying person. Only those requiring assistance from a carer or with communication or mobility difficulties and children, may bring an accompanying person. Radiology patients are encouraged to attend by themselves but where required the limit is 1 other person only attending.
Patients attending for an outpatient appointment will be asked to present their outpatient letter or text reminder on arrival.
Any visitor given a limited access pass will be asked if they have or develop Covid–19 symptoms, they MUST NOT attend. Alternative arrangements can be made.
Children's Outpatients
Children attending Outpatient appointments and The Children's Resource Centre are to be accompanied by 1 parent/guardian only.
We are unable to accommodate other family members or siblings. In exceptional circumstances, where all other childcare arrangements have been exhausted, siblings may be able to attend. It’s important you phone the team to inform them of extra children attending 01322 428232.
We advise that you bring some activities for your child to pass the time in the waiting area. Its important children remain seated and supervised at all times by their accompanying parent/guardian to maintain safety and social distancing. We ask that children and babies are not placed on the floor to play due to the risk of infection.
Maternity
The Maternity Department has limitations in place. Read there HERE.
Attending A&E
- Due to space limitations within our waiting areas, only named carers or visitors accompanying patients who are vulnerable, or require assistance with communication or mobility will be permitted in the waiting room, this must be agreed by the nurse in charge/streaming nurse if attending via the waiting room.
- 1 named person will be able to accompany the patient during their stay in Resus and Majors A only.
- Named/nominated carers or visitors accompanying patients who are vulnerable or need assistance with communication will have flexible visiting, this must be agreed by the nurse in charge/streaming nurse if attending via the waiting room.
- Please do not request access to the hospital if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, unless for emergency treatment.
Below is some general practical advice and support for individuals visiting and accompanying patients at DGT:
- Transport – Arrange to drive yourself, or be driven to and from the hospital by a member of your household or bubble, if possible, to minimise the risk of exposure to others. Hospital parking is limited but available.
- Personal belongings - Bring as few personal belongings as possible with you, e.g. bags, handbags, electronic devices, gifts and only non-perishable food for the patient. Take the opportunity to take any valuables your loved one may have home for safe keeping.
- Face coverings – Face coverings or masks must be worn on entry to the hospital buildings and within the hospital and departments. If you are wearing your own cloth type face covering you must change to a hospital face mask on arrival to the ward or department, theses will be provided. If you are wearing a hospital type face mask on entry to the hospital you can keep this one on for the duration of your visit. Those who are medically exempt from wearing a face covering/mask, will be asked to wear a visor where possible. These are available in the main reception.
- Gloves - Please do not wear plastic/surgical gloves, if you are wearing gloves you will be asked to remove them. Gloves can easily cross contaminate and hand hygiene is a much more effective method. There are hand gel stations available throughout your journey through the hospital, and at entry and exit points of wards and departments.
- COVID Vaccination and testing – You need to continue to follow all the same precautions to prevent the spread of COVID even when you have been vaccinated. Although you might not get sick you could still spread it to others. We are unable to accept any community testing results as we cannot validate them. We encourage you to carry out a rapid Covid test (lateral flow test) before you visit the hospital.
Social distancing – Where possible maintain a 2 metre/6 foot space physical distance.
Arriving at the ward or department – sanitise with hand gel or wash your hands with soap and water on entering, staff will support you with any other instructions and guide you to your loved one. We recommend you use the hand gels provided, but if you have your own please ensure it is effective against bacteria AND viruses.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – In addition to wearing a face mask visitors may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as a plastic apron and surgical gloves if assisting with personal care. Staff will guide and support you in this. Going to the toilet and having had a small drink before putting on PPE can help avoid the need to remove it and put it back on during the visit.
Stay with your loved one - Another patient may ask you for help, it may be something simple such as passing something. If you or another patient needs assistance please call for help, or where appropriate ask your loved one, or another patient to press their call bell.
Leaving the hospital - Wash or sanitise your hands on leaving the ward/department and hospital. Only remove your mask once you have left the hospital building. Sanitise your hands following removal of your face mask, and dispose of your face mask appropriately in the bins provided at hospital exit points.
Vulnerable individuals – If you are extremely clinically vulnerable due to a medical condition or you live with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable due to a medical condition, we recommend you do not visit due to the increased risk of exposure to the virus.
Alternatives to visiting – If you are unable to visit in person, please talk to staff about arranging a virtual video or telephone visit.
What not to do when visiting someone in hospital
- It's best not to sit on the patient's bed, as this can spread germs. Use the chairs provided.
- Do not put your feet on the patient's bed.
- Do not touch the patient's wounds or any medical equipment they're attached to, such as drips or catheters. This can cause infections.
- Do not use the patients' toilets. Use the hospital's public toilets.
- Do not share a patient's toiletries, tissues or hospital equipment with other patients or leave them in communal areas.
