Visitors will now be allowed to return to hospitals in the Western Trust after Covid 19 led to a suspension on visits since December 29.
The Trust has stated visitors will be allowed to return from Monday January 17, albeit on a one visit per week basis for patients.
Increased Covid 19 cases and staff absences were blamed for the suspension of visiting arrangements, and the Trust has said these remain a challenge.
A statement from the Western Trust read: “There remains a continued high level of transmission in the community and, while pressures including staff absences also continue to be a challenge, the Western Trust understand the significant importance that visiting patients in our hospitals provides,”
“Therefore, from 6pm on Monday January 17, there will be an initial easing of temporary visiting restrictions, across our hospital sites and facilities, which will now allow for one visit per week per patient.”
One visitor from a group of two nominees will now be allowed to visit patients in Altnagelvin, the South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital, as well as other Trust facilities.
The Trust has said it will review its visiting restrictions in one week’s time, and asked for cooperation from the public as there have been incidents of verbal abuse and harassment reported by its staff.
“The Trust acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for everyone but we continue to act in your best interest and the best interest of your relative/friend in hospital,” the statement added.
“We ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times.
“There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.”
