‘Named visitor’ permitted at RJAH

Inpatients at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital are to be allowed a “named visitor” under new rules giving them greater contact with their loved ones.

The Oswestry-based hospital, which services patients from the Welshpool area too, put a halt to visiting at the end of March for all patients except those on end of life care plans, or in other exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the ward manager. That was in line with national guidance in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the change – which comes into effect from today (Saturday) – does not represent a return to business as normal, as visiting will still be heavily limited, in order to minimise any risk of covid-19 being brought onto the site. 

Patients in all the hospital’s orthopaedic wards, and on its medical rehabilitation ward, will be able to nominate one named visitor. This will be the only person able to visit them during their stay at the hospital. The named visitor will be able to book a slot via the ward clerk and will be able to stay for a maximum of one hour.

Similar rules apply for patients in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), except that they will be able to nominate two named visitors who will be able to stay for up to two hours.

People can find more information about the new visiting process, including how to book a slot if they are a named visitor, by going to www.rjah.nhs.uk/visiting

Chris Morris, Interim Director of Nursing at RJAH, said: “Visitors will be expected to undergo a temperature check and put on a face mask when they arrive at the Main Entrance, and to observe all social distancing guidelines. They will also need to leave their name, address and a contact number with the ward in case of any covid-19 case that requires them to be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace team.”

Individual wards will be able to use their own discretion as to time slots they offer to visitors, though all appointments for the day must be concluded by 7pm in order that thorough cleaning can take place. 

The changes do not apply to people attending for appointments in the Main Outpatients Department, who must continue to visit alone unless by prior agreement with the department. This is due to space restrictions in the Outpatient Department which mean adequate social distancing could not be maintained if patients were accompanied.

For more information on visiting a patient at RJAH, go to www.rjah.nhs.uk/visiting.