Update on Visiting Arrangements in Powys Teaching Health Board (last updated 7 September 2023)
COVID is circulating in the UK, and as we head into the autumn and winter we expect to see flu circulating as well. All visitors and those accompanying patients to appointments are strongly advised to wear a mask
Powys Teaching Health Board recognise the important role visitors play in a patient's recovery and we know it is important for you to visit your loved ones. Our plea is that you do so safety to protect the most vulnerable from infection.
Therefore, the below visiting guidance has been agreed, in-line with the current All Wales Visiting Principles, for implementation across the Health Board:
These steps are in place to prevent infections and to make visiting as safe as possible.
General guidance:
- Please do not visit the ward if you feel unwell.
- Please check visiting times on the ward prior to visiting.
- Ensure you sanitise hands on entering/leaving the ward and hospital environment.
- Face masks are available at the point of entry. All visitors and those accompanying patients to appointments are strongly advised to wear a mask.
- Each patient can have up to two visitors per visit.
- Each visit should last no longer than 2 hours.
- Visitors are discouraged from gathering in large groups in ward corridors.
- Visiting outside of normal visiting hours would be in exceptional circumstances, as agreed with the ward manager.
- Where a ward is closed due to an infection outbreak, visiting will not be permitted (unless in exceptional circumstances and agreed by ward manager & IP&C team)
- Patients with Mental Health needs and end of life/palliative pathway can arrange visiting that fits the requirement of the family and patient needs.
Protected Mealtimes
- We understand that many patients will eat more with the encouragement and support of family members, friends and/or a dedicated person to support them. Please speak to a member of the ward team so that this can form part of an agreed attendance plan.
- Carers and those helping people with Learning Difficulties or Mental Health needs should speak to ward staff so that this can form part of an agreed attendance plan.
It is recognised that guidance cannot foresee all requests for visiting nor all patient circumstances.
This guidance is being kept under review and may be subject to review.
Our local visiting arrangements reflect the latest national guidance published by Welsh Government.