Posted: 24 December 2020

Trust introduces compassionate visiting to reduce risk of infection 

As Buckinghamshire is now in Tier 4, with infection rates rising, the Trust has taken the decision to implement compassionate visiting. This means we will be only be allowing visiting in exceptional circumstances. This will take place with immediate effect.

Exceptional circumstances include visitors for patients who have:

• a learning disability, autism, or cognitive impairment, such as dementia
• mental health problems
• communication challenges including hearing or visual impairment
• and for patients who do not speak English

Compassionate visiting will be arranged for patients who may be at the end of their life.

If you feel your situation requires special consideration please contact the ward or department in advance to discuss appropriate arrangements.

Separate visiting arrangements are in place for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Maternity Services and Paediatric Services.

Patients attending our Emergency Departments, Emergency Assessment Units, Urgent Treatment Centre and Outpatient Departments are also expected to be unaccompanied unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse at the Trust, said: “This has been a really tough decision to make just before Christmas. We know that this may be difficult for some of our patients and their loved ones, however, we are making exceptions on compassionate grounds as appropriate and balancing this with a duty to protect our patients and our staff. With COVID-19 cases rising in the community, we have to do all that we can to keep everyone safe.” 

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Please view further information on current visiting guidelines.