VISITING restrictions remain in place at the University Hospitals Dorset Trust to help protect staff and patients from coronavirus.

Visitors are not allowed at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and Poole Hospitals, except for a number of exceptions.

The exceptions are as follows:

Maternity

One birth partner only and one partner for the 20-week scan. Strictly no children. No visiting on antenatal and postnatal wards.

Paediatrics

One parent/guardian only. Strictly no siblings.

Advocates

Visitors who are required to make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have capacity to do so themselves.

Compassionate reasons

Where a patient is nearing the end of their life, up to four visitors will be able to spend time with their loved one.

Carers

Speak to the ward if you care for someone with a mental health issue or learning disability.

Long stay patients

One visitor from a patient’s household or bubble may visit a patient who has been an inpatient for seven or more days and has had two negative Covid tests.