The visiting policy at Noble’s Hospital and Ramsey Cottage Hospital is changing this morning.

From 8am, visiting is being limited as a result of the increased transmission of Covid-19 on the island.

The government says it’ vital that vulnerable patients in the care of our hospitals are protected as much as possible right now.

A government spokesman said: ’Whilst we recognise that friends and family members are a vital support, the utmost care and consideration must be given to the safety of other patients, visitors and staff by maintaining infection prevention and control procedures at all times.’

The rules are:

All visiting must be arranged in advance with the nurse in charge of the ward prior to coming to the hospital

Patients can receive only one visitor at a time, with the duration of visiting lasting less than 15 minutes per visitor

All visitors must wear a mask at all times in the hospital. If a visitor is unable to tolerate wearing a face mask, they should communicate with ward or outpatient clinic staff (if possible prior to their visit) so that a risk assessment can be undertaken. Social distancing must be maintained

A visitor registration form must be completed for all visitors entering the ward and given to the Ward Clerk or a member of nursing staff for Contact Tracing purposes

Visitors who are sick or showing any symptoms relating to Covid-19 will not be permitted to enter either hospital; this is without exception.