The suspension of patient visiting will continue at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), for all but exceptional cases.

The continued restriction to visiting arrangements has been agreed in light of the new national Government tier system and will be reviewed at the start of the New Year.

The Trust will be looking at arrangements for patient visiting at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston over the Christmas period from Wednesday 23 December to Sunday 27 December. This will be based on the Government 'Christmas bubble' guidance and further details will be released over the coming weeks.

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

Some exceptions to the continued restrictions remain in place, including:

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.

Director of Nursing for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Dr Karen Dunderdale, said: "Restricting visiting is one of the measures we are taking to protect our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the spread of this virus.

"We know that the decision to continue with visitor suspension will be upsetting for those who have loved ones in hospital, but as we leave lockdown and enter into Tier 3 restrictions, we must continue to prioritise the safety of our patients and staff.

"We have put in place some exceptions and our ward teams will work with families and carers to ensure access in these circumstances.

"We are working on how we can enable a safe level of visiting over the Christmas period from 23 to 27 December, which will take into account the safety of our patients, especially the most vulnerable and our staff."

Wards will be offering the opportunity for families 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/