Patients in hospital  will be allowed to have loved ones to visit from Monday, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have announced today.

Following the decline of COVID-19 community cases, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have made the decision to allow the public to book a timed, 1-hour slot to visit their loved ones in hospital. 

Professor Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We understand how challenging it has been for friends and family not to see their loved ones over recent months and so we are pleased that the current circumstances mean we can partially ease the restrictions and allow one visitor for an hour each day.

“We have always had arrangements in place for exceptional circumstances and these will continue. We do need to stress that COVID-19 has not gone away and is still in our hospitals and the community, so ensuring visitors stick to the rules is essential.”

Visitors must adhere to social distancing rules, including wearing a mask at all times and washing their hands upon arrival and departure. 

Maternity visiting arrangements include that one partner or nominated support person over the age of 16 are permitted to book a one-hour time slot for visitation. They will be provided with PPE on arrival. 

All current visiting restrictions can be viewed on the Trust website at: www.sheffieldhospitalscoronavirus.co.uk