AIREDALE Hospital bosses have stressed the importance of maintaining restrictions on visitor numbers at the Steeton site to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Jill Asbury – director for nursing at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital – said she appreciated how difficult the limitations were for people.

But she said the measures were necessary “for everyone’s safety”.

She was speaking as Bradford district got used to new local restrictions imposed by the Government.

“In the face of rising infection rates of Covid-19 in Bradford district it is important we continue to restrict the number of visitors to our hospital for everyone’s safety,” said Ms Asbury.

“We understand how difficult this can be – however, we must do everything we can to prevent any further spread of the virus.

“We have a variety of support services in place for our patients, relatives and carers to help families and friends to keep in touch and we would encourage people to use those.

“We need everyone’s help to keep our hospital environment as safe as possible for all our patients, visitors and staff.”

Visiting is only allowed for patients receiving end-of-life care, a birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour, or an adult – who must be an immediate family member or carer – accompanying a child in paediatrics or the neonatal unit.

For patients with learning disabilities or a significant cognitive impairment, one family member or carer can accompany them following discussion with ward staff.

In all cases, just one adult is allowed and families should contact the ward in advance to discuss arrangements.

Visits are also permitted for patients who have been in hospital for 21 days or longer. These are limited to one close family contact or someone important to the patient – and for up to one hour only.

All visitors are required to follow good hygiene practice, ensuring they wash their hands before and after visiting and use hand sanitisers on the ward. They will not be able to arrange a visit if they have any symptoms of Covid-19.

The hospital has introduced various measures to help families have contact with patients without physically visiting the ward.

They include a ‘virtual’ visit via a secure online link, which can be arranged with individual wards.

There is also a pick-up and drop-off service for patient belongings, and a ‘sending hugs’ service through which people can send photos and messages. Care parcels can also be sent.

For more details about the services, email virtualvisiting@anhst.nhs.uk, call 07769 165466 or visit airedale-trust.nhs.uk/covid-19-patient-information.