The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust in Bath have suspended visiting from today (Thursday November 26) until further notice.

The RUH suspended visiting at the end of March, but was able to relax restrictions during the summer months, while COVID-19 cases remained relatively low.

With coronavirus cases now rising in the local community and throughout the south west, the RUH has again suspended visiting.

The only exceptional circumstances where one visitor – an immediate family member or carer – will be permitted to visit are listed below:

  • Birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour or on maternity departments or ward
  • Parent or appropriate adult visiting your child
  • Patients nearing end of life
  • Parent or carer accompanying a vulnerable adult

Any inpatients with COVID-19 or awaiting test results for COVID-19 are not able to receive visitors with the exception of those who are receiving end of life care.

Trust Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said: “This has been a difficult decision for us to take, but one which will help to keep our patients and staff safe, as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the local community.

“We understand how hard this will be for many people, unable to visit their loved ones and friends in person. We would ask people to use phone and video calls to keep in touch and our ward staff will help to facilitate these calls whenever possible.

“We will keep these visiting restrictions under review and will make sure we publicise any future changes as and when they are made. Thank you for your understanding.”

During this time, visitors are urged to use other methods of keeping in touch. Each of the hospital’s wards have a mobile phone and an iPad with Whatsapp and Zoom to help keep patients in touch with loved ones through phone and video calls.

A dedicated ‘Keeping in Touch’ service can pass on a message to loved ones in hospital. Email ruh-tr.keepingintouch@nhs.net or call 01225 826984 to tell us what your message is.

For more information about visiting the RUH, please see https://bit.ly/2QQ7JlA