Trust makes ‘difficult decision’ to suspend visiting at hospitals in West Sussex

The Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, Southlands Hospital in Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing Hospital, made the announcement yesterday.

It comes as restrictions on people’s movement are put in place in order to curb the spread of coronavirus and reduce pressure on the NHS.

From now on, the only visitors who will be allowed in its hospitals are:

– A single birth partner for a woman in labour

– A single parent for a child in paediatrics

– Carers with a carer’s passport or a carer’s card

– Visitors for an end of life patient. To ensure compassion whilst delivering safe care, the number of visitors permitted at this time will be at the ward manager’s discretion.

A spokesman said: “We know this a worrying time and we will make every effort to help patients stay connected with the people who matter most to them.”

In children’s units only one parent/carer is permitted and no siblings.

Two parents are permitted in the neonatal units. No other visitors are permitted.

A spokesman said that people should contact the ward area and discuss with the ward manager if there were ‘exceptional circumstances’.

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