Visiting restrictions as University Hospitals Dorset – which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole hospitals – have been eased.

After a patient has been admitted for 72 hours and the hospital knows that the patient doesn’t have COVID-19, one named visitor is permitted per day for one hour.

In Maternity, one birth partner is allowed and one partner for the 20-week scan.

Visitors must wear a face covering in the public areas of the hospital and they will be met at the ward entrance by a member of staff who will assist with whatever personal protective equipment needs to be worn for the duration of the visit.

Visiting options will be discussed if the patient is in the intensive care unit.

People must not visit the hospitals if they have symptoms of COVID-19 if they are self isolating or if they are shielding except for compassionate reasons.

Paula Shobbrook, chief nursing officer, said, “We’re really pleased to be able to welcome more visitors back into our hospitals, as we know how important visiting is for our patients’ wellbeing and mental health. It improves communication with family members and can reduce a visitor’s anxiety about their loved one’s condition.

“While this is a positive step, allowing visiting is really challenging during a pandemic and our priority must continue to be the safety of all patients, staff and visitors. We’re also still treating patients with Covid-19 and have strict infection control measures in place which our visitors must follow.

“Covid is still with us so it’s really important to follow all of the public health measures in place to protect our loved ones and our wider community.”