Covid: Non-essential patient visits stopped at Nottingham hospitals

The trust runs the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital

Non-essential patient visits to hospitals in Nottingham are being suspended for two weeks to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust says it will stop visits for two weeks from New Year's Day due to high case rates.

It said the move would allow it to "keep patients and staff as safe as possible during the pandemic".

Visits will be allowed for parents and carers of children.

The trust is responsible for Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen's Medical Centre

Other exceptions will be made for critically ill patients, those receiving end-of-life care, people supporting others through labour, antenatal scans and postnatal treatment.

People will also be allowed to attend if patients "needs assistance with their communication or to meet their health, emotional, religious or spiritual care needs".

'Protect patients'

The trust said any visitors should take a lateral flow test on the day of their visit, adding they may be asked for proof before entry.

Social distancing measures are also being encouraged.

Elsewhere in Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust said it was also suspending adult in-patient visiting from New Year's Day "to help protect vulnerable patients".

The trust, which runs the King's Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community hospitals, said some exceptions would apply to end-of-life care, under-18s and maternity visiting.