PATIENTS at Warrington and Halton hospitals will be able to receive more visitors more regularly as restrictions relax.

From tomorrow, Tuesday, both sites are reintroducing visiting in all settings across the trust in an easing of restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The trust is relaxing current guidance in inpatient settings, while also enabling patients to be accompanied by someone important when attending the emergency department or outpatient appointments.

Visitors will no longer need to book their visit in advance, however face coverings are still required to maximise the safety of patients and staff.

Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, the trust’s chief nurse and deputy chief executive, says the new visiting guidance will provide benefits to both patients and their loved ones.

“We know the enormous contribution visiting makes to the wellbeing and care of patients, as well as the distress lack of access to friends and family causes to both patients and loved ones,” she said.

“Restricting visitors to patients as per the national policy request, and not allowing friends or family members to accompany patients to the emergency department or outpatient appointments was not a decision taken lightly.

“However, during the height of the Covid pandemic, the safety of our patients, staff and visitors was and continues to remain our priority at all times.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Halton HospitalHalton Hospital

“We have been working extremely hard to reinstate our previous ‘open visitor policy’ at the earliest opportunity, as we know how vital companionship is for our inpatients and outpatients.

“We are delighted to welcome more visitors across our hospital sites – be safe and be with your loved ones.”

For inpatient wards, visiting hours will be extended to between 1pm and 4.30pm, and then from 6pm to 8pm.

Visitors will no longer need to book their visit in advance, while two visitors per patient at any one time will be welcome.

Patients attending the emergency department or an outpatient appointment can be accompanied by one person important to them.

However, to support patient safety at times of overcrowding in the departments, visitors may be asked to leave for a short period.

Both inpatient visitors and people accompanying patients for outpatient appointments or attending the emergency department will be required to wear a face covering in all areas unless medically exempt.

Visitors are asked not to attend the hospital if they are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.