STRICT rules on visiting hospitals is starting to be eased across Hampshire hospitals.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reducing visitor restrictions but says strict measures remain in force.

The trust today announced the start of a gradual relaxation of the visiting restrictions that were imposed due to Covid-19.

Today the trust was treating seven Covid patients in Basingstoke hospitals, one in the RHCH in Winchester and none in Andover. In January the trust was treating more than 160, including 57 at the RHCH.

Julie Dawes, chief nurse at the trust, said: "Visitor restrictions are not something that we would ever wish to implement for extended periods of time.

“Anyone who has worked in the NHS will have seen the positive impact relatives, loved ones and friends can have on a patient - an extra set of eyes, a familiar face and voice. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has necessitated many changes which we didn’t think possible just over a year ago.

“However, as things continue to improve, I am delighted that effective today we are starting to ease the restrictions on visiting at Hampshire Hospitals. This will be very gradual and may be reversed if the situation worsens either at the trust or in the wider community.”

At first, comparatively little will change but visitor restrictions will be regularly reviewed in line with the government’s roadmap. Making it critical on the continued success of the national vaccination programme and on members of the community continuing to follow social distancing measures, including wearing masks.

All visiting at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, the RHCH and Andover War Memorial Hospital will continue to be by appointment and in essential cases only, with surgical masks compulsory at all times and the highest levels of hand hygiene.

Only one visitor will be permitted per patient at any one time: ideally the same person throughout a patient's stay. No children under 12 are permitted except in cases where the patient is receiving palliative or end of life care.

Ms Dawes added: “We know how anxious people are to visit friends and family when they are in hospital and are doing all we can to ensure this can happen safely and securely, for patients, visitors and our staff.

“This is a first step, not the end of the road.”

Patients can also connect with their relatives and friends through virtual visits, with iPads on wards to help these conversations to take place. There is also a messaging service to provide friends and family with an opportunity to share messages with their loved ones in hospital.