Northampton and Kettering hospitals restrict visitors

Patients who would be distressed by a lack of visits because of a learning disability, dementia or autism could continue to see friends and relatives, the hospitals said

Two hospitals have suspended visiting to "reduce the risk of Covid-19 being introduced".

Northampton General and Kettering General will only permit visitors to patients in the last days of life, and in other limited circumstances.

Northampton introduced the measures from New Year's Eve, and Kettering will make the changes from New Year's Day.

Both have said "health, wellbeing and safety" of patients and colleagues were their top priority.

"We've taken this decision to reduce the risk of Covid-19 being introduced into the hospital environment at a time when infections in the community are rising rapidly," a statement for both hospitals said.

"We apologise for having to take this step as we are fully aware of the impact suspending visiting has on our patients and those close to them."

In Northampton, there were 2,087 cases of Covid reported in the week to 26 December, up 517 on the previous week.

In Kettering, there were 1,039 cases, up 406 on the previous seven days.

The changes at both hospitals will not affect critically-ill patients, those receiving a new significant life-changing or life-limiting diagnosis or parents visiting children.

It would also not apply for patients with, for example, dementia, autism or learning disabilities, who could be distressed by not having visitors.

Birthing partners for women in labour and the immediate post-natal period and those accompanying women to antenatal birthing scans, will also be permitted, the hospitals said.

They will also review "on a case-by-case basis" times when not allowing a visit would "significantly impact on the welfare of a patient".

All those who are able to visits are asked to continue to make an appointment with the ward and take a lateral flow test before arriving.

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