PATIENTS at Oxford's hospitals will be allowed one visitor per day over the Christmas period, the trust has said.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust announced on Friday it will keep its 'rule of one' policy for visitors over the festive period.

It means patients can have one visitor for one hour each day, with the visitor being from the patient’s household or existing support bubble.

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The trust said it will continue a 'case-by-case approach' for patients with mental health support needs, learning disabilities, as well as those with additional communication needs.

Child patients, patients who require carers or birthing partners, and those at the end of their life will also be considered individually.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at the trust, said there was a duty to keep patients, visitors and staff safe.

She said: “We know that this decision will be difficult for some of our patients and their families, especially after what has been a challenging year for so many people.

“However, with cases of COVID rising in the community, we have a duty to keep our patients, their loved ones, and our staff safe.

"We all need to make sure we have a healthy Christmas and do all that we can to protect each other."