New visiting restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic

Further visiting restrictions have been put in place at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To help limit the spread of the virus and to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible, visiting on inpatients wards will not be permitted.

Exceptions will be made in the following circumstances:

• Carers will still be permitted and those who require escorts
• Patients receiving end-of-life care or where there is significant deterioration
• Patients with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism
• Parents with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Parents or appropriate adults visiting their child
• Birth partners for women in labour and on ante and post-natal wards
• Partners of people giving birth will continue to be able to attend dating scans (11 weeks); anomaly scans (20 weeks); Rainbow scans and Fetal Medicine Unit scans.

Virtual visiting remains in place and patients can still keep in touch with loved ones or friends via their own personal digital device with video-chatting apps on phones and tablets.

Patients can also use the virtual visiting service which allows you to contact the ward to arrange a time to Skype your loved one or friend via a Trust iPad.

Alternatively, family and friends can send a message via our website that will be passed on to them during their time here. In addition, our hospital radio broadcasts online 24/7 and is happy to take requests.

Professor Nancy Fontaine, NNUH Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, said: “We have not taken this decision lightly as we know the impact it has on patients and their families, and we’d encourage people to use our ‘virtual visiting’ service where we can arrange video calls between them and their loved one in hospital.

“With Covid-19 cases rising in the community and admissions increasing, we must all do everything we can to reduce transmission and keep our staff, patients and families as safe as possible.

“You can help us too by following national guidance by wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, social distancing and regular hand washing.”

We continue to ask patients to attend the Emergency Department and outpatient appoints alone, if possible.