In the light of the updated advice around reducing the risk of spreading Covid-19 and shielding vulnerable groups, NHS Boards are now being asked to restrict hospital visiting to essential visits only with immediate effect.
The following visits are deemed essential:
A birth partner during childbirth
A person receiving end-of-life care
To support someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
to accompany a child in hospital.
Visitors should also consider whether a visit is essential even in these circumstances.