Visiting arrangements in Cornwall’s hospitals have this week returned to pre-pandemic arrangements.

The decision which covers all hospitals run by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, reflects the reduced impactCOVID-19 now has on our hospitals.

Kim O’Keeffe, chief nursing officer for both Trust’s said, “Getting visitors, when you are poorly in hospital is important and we’re pleased to be able to return to our pre-pandemic arrangements.

“All patients will now be able to have up to 2 visitors at any one time. We’re asking all visitors to continue wearing face masks, while in clinical areas and not to visit if they are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or another infection, for example norovirus.”

Both Trust’s will relax visiting further for patients who are end of life. Visiting arrangements will continue to be reviewed and may change in response to further outbreak of COVID or other infectious outbreaks.

Visiting arrangements will vary by ward and visitors are encouraged to ask a member of staff about visiting times or to check the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust or Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.

Cornwall continues to have the fifth lowest rate of COVID-19 cases of all English local authorities.