THE Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) has explained its latest visitor guidance for family and friends to follow when visiting the hospital.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust website said only one visitor can visit a patient at any one time.

The Trust explained it encourages only essential visits for instance for patients at the end of life or those with dementia or a learning disability.

Visitors are told to arrange these visits with the ward manager or nurse in charge.

In order to maintain social distancing rules, people may not be able to visit every day.

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The Trust said familiar carer/supporter/personal assistants will not be counted as an additional visitor.

People are encouraged, if possible, to stay in touch with patients by mobile or other devices.

Visitors are told to not visit if they have any symptoms of the virus such as a high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of taste or smell.

People visiting the hospital must also wear a face covering or mask inside the buildings and following social distancing rules.

There is also alcohol gel inside the building for people to use regularly and people should wash their hands before entering and leaving the building.

With current visiting restrictions still in place due to the current Covid situation, the Trust understands that this continues to be a very difficult time for patients and their families.

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People can download a message card to send back to the their loved ones in hospital.

The messages are then hand delivered to their friends and loved ones on the wards.

In addition to the message cards, the Trust is continuing to offer phone and virtual visiting via iPads, which are available for patient use on all the wards.

Visit the Trust's website for more details.