Visitors are now banned from the John Radcliffe's hospital trust due to rising Covid cases in the county. 

The rule, which comes into place today at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), does include limited exceptions.

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These are; 

  • Maternity - current visiting arrangements to remain in place, unless there is a tier change (more details below)
  • Children - one parent or guardian only, no siblings, except on Christmas Day (more details below)
  • Patients at the end of their life - in these circumstances the nurse or midwife in charge will enable up to one visitor per patient to spend time with their loved one
  • Patients who cannot make decisions for themselves - current arrangements remain in place

These new restrictions replace the 'Rule of One' visiting arrangements at the trust, which also runs the Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Banbury's Horton General Hospital.

Patients attending Emergency Departments, Emergency Assessment Units, and outpatient departments are also expected to be unaccompanied unless there are 'exceptional circumstances'.

Child patients on Christmas Day

The trust will be allowing patients aged 17 and younger additional visitors from their existing household bubble on Christmas Day only.

Maternity patients

Existing maternity visiting rules will remain the same for the time being. 

However, if Oxfordshire moves beyond Tier 2 or there is a national lockdown, visitors would only be permitted during:

  • 12 week, 20 week, and 36 week scan appointments
  • Fetal medicine appointments
  • Breech clinic appointments
  • Labour assessment, labour, and birth

Women under 18 years old, women who are going through bereavement, or women who require a carer can have a single visitor for the duration of their care.

All visitors must be the same person for each appointment, and they must be a member of the patient's household or existing support bubble.

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Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: "We never take these decisions lightly, however we have 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 at this time."

The 'Keep in Touch' service is also available for those who cannot visit their loved ones.

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