In response to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases across County Durham and today’s Government announcement regarding local increased restriction measures, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is suspending visiting at all of its hospitals from 9am on Friday, September 18.

A spokesman said: "The numbers of cases across County Durham continue to rise and the trust has therefore taken the difficult decision to reintroduce the suspension of visiting across all inpatient adult wards at our hospitals."

The hospitals affected are:

  • University Hospital of North Durham
  • Bishop Auckland Hospital
  • Shotley Bridge Community Hospital
  • Chester-le-Street Community Hospital
  • Sedgefield Community Hospital
  • Weardale Community Hospital
  • Richardson Community Hospital
  • And, Darlington Memorial Hospital

The spokesman continued: "The temporary suspension will be reintroduced to protect both staff and patients and the restrictions have been extended to include Darlington Memorial Hospital as some patients, who may live in County Durham, will have pathways of care which include an appointment or treatment at Darlington Memorial Hospital."

The move also includes reintroducing restrictions on maternity services and while one birthing partner can continue to be present during labour, restrictions will now be back in place regarding the attendance of partners at scan appointments and visiting on post-natal wards.

There are exemptions from the visiting suspension which are as follows:

  • Patients receiving end of life care (visiting arrangements will be at the discretion of the nurse in charge)
  • Women in labour will be able to have one birthing partner
  • One parent or carer will be able to accompany children in our emergency departments, children’s wards and neonatal units
  • Patients with dementia, a learning disability or autism and those who require a carer will be able to have one person accompanying them.

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