Fresh visitor restrictions have been imposed at Lincolnshire Hospitals after the government has tightened up its guidance.

Now, following the latest changes, which saw Covid-19 regulations change for Christmas, ULHT will now only allow visiting on Christmas Day on Christmas Day only.

For visiting on this day appointments will need to be booked in advance and follow some very specific rules that are entirely in place for the safety of patients, staff and visitors. There will be limited appointments available as we want to ensure that as many patients as possible are able to have a visit. Social distancing limits the number of people who can visit at any one time.

Visiting is not possible at Grantham and District Hospital. The trust says this is to maintain the 'green' site status and enable the continuation of surgery and cancer treatment for patients.

On December 25 some inpatients will be able to receive one visitor. Unfortunately, this does not include ULHT's dedicated COVID-19 wards where the risk of infection remains too great.

The Trust says it is always is working hard to get as many patients who are medically fit back to their homes and it appreciates all the help and support that families and carers can give to make this possible.

All visitors need to adhere to the following Christmas Day visiting rules:

All visitors must book an appointment in advance by contacting the ward where their loved one is staying between 8am and 2pm. Contact numbers for each ward can be found on the Trust's website. Our wards are very busy, so please be patient when booking your visit.

Bookings are only valid for 25 December.

Only one visitor per bay will be permitted at any one time regardless of the size of the bay.

Only one relative may visit.

Only one visit per day is possible to ensure all patients have the opportunity to visit.

People must not visit if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new persistent cough, loss of taste or smell).

Social distancing must be maintained and a hospital provided mask must be worn at all times as well as gloves and an apron being worn at all times, whilst on the ward.

Visitors must also consider whether someone in their home who may be shielding or in a high risk vulnerable group may be at risk if others from the household visit.

Anyone with concerns or queries about visiting should speak to the ward, or the Patient Advice and Liaison teams at Pilgrim: 01205 446244 and Lincoln: 01522 707071.

The following exceptions will continue during and after the 25 December:

The maternity department will allow one birthing partner to attend the birth and a partner to visit women and their baby either antenatal or postnatal.

Partners can attend the 12 and 20 week antenatal scans and the 36 week consultant maternity appointment.

Parents who do not show the symptoms of infection can visit their children on children's wards and neonatal units (one parent at a time).

Other exceptional circumstances such as a significantly distressed patient with a mental health condition or learning disability where the visit would be considered a therapeutic necessity.

Visits to patients receiving end of life care.

Chief Executive for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Andrew Morgan, said: "We have had to change Christmas visiting arrangements to reflect National guidance, but are still allowing some inpatient visiting on Christmas day, with guidance in place to make this visit as safe as possible.

"The guidelines and restrictions are in place to protect our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the spread of this virus. We must remember that the fact that a patient is in hospital, already puts them in the vulnerable category so any visiting we allow, must be in line with protecting them as a priority."

ULHT wards are still offering the opportunity for families and carers to talk to relatives via Skype or FaceTime where possible. Families can also take advantage of the 'Letter to a Loved One' scheme, full details here: https://www.ulh.nhs.uk/news/send-a-letter-to-a-loved-one/