THE Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) has updated visiting policies following changes to lockdown guidelines.

In line with government guidance, all patients, visitors and staff to the London Road hospital must now wear a face mask for the duration of their visit.

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RBH is encouraging people to bring a mask with them, but if they are unable to do so to ask a member of staff instead.

What are the rules?

Only one visitor per patient is allowed at any one time, and the hospital is encouraging only essential visits - including for patients at the end of life, or those with dementia or a learning disability.

Familiar carers/supporters/personal assistants will not be counted as an additional visitor.

These visits must be arranged with the ward manager or nurse in charge.

In order to maintain social distancing rules, every day visits are not allowed.

RBH is urging people, if possible, to stay in touch with a patient by iPad or mobile.

No unnecessary belongings should be brought into the hospital.

You cannot visit if you have any symptoms of the virus (high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of taste and smell).

What precautions are taken?

Social distancing measures are in place at the hospital, and guests should wash their hands before entering and leaving the building.

Alcohol hand gel is available, and frequent use inside the building is encouraged.

Further information about visiting, click here.

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What about maternity?

Only one birth partner can support a woman during induction of labour, labour or a caesarean section.

The birth partner must be well, without symptoms of coronavirus and tested negatively for coronavirus in the last seven days.

It is safest to travel to hospital by private car or taxi.

You can use public transport if you have no symptoms.

If you need help with arranging transport to the hospital, call the Patient Relations Team for advice on 0118 322 8338.

Do not bring any unnecessary belongings into hospital with you.

Face coverings or masks are required, as is use of hand sanitiser when you arrive and leave the ward.

Birthing partners must only leave the induction of labour room, birthing room or recovery area if essential, and are asked to bring plenty of food and drink for the duration of their stay.

After birth, it may be necessary for some women to stay on the postnatal ward.

Birthing partners will need to return home when the time comes for the women to move to the postnatal ward.

There is no visiting on the antenatal or postnatal wards.

The healthcare staff will be wearing protective equipment, such as face masks, aprons, gloves and visors.