The hospital trust in charge of the John Radcliffe has announced a ban on visitors, with very limited exceptions.

Since last Monday Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has reduced visiting its hospitals in order to 'protect both our patients and our staff who care for them' in the wake of coronavirus.

A statement by OUH today has said: "In light of the developing Covid-19 situation, we now need to go further."

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With immediate effect from todaythe trust, which also runs the Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Banbury's Horton General Hospital, will not allow any visitors to its hospitals – with these exceptions:

  • Maternity – 1 birth partner only. Strictly no other children.
  • Paediatrics – 1 parent/guardian only. Strictly no siblings.
  • Patients at the end of life – in the difficult and upsetting circumstances where patients may be at the end of their life, the nurse or midwife in charge will enable up to one visitor per patient to spend time with their loved one.
  • Advocates/visitors who are required to make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have the capacity to make decisions for themselves.

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On arrival to any ward or department, all visitors should immediately wash their hands and report to the nurse in charge.

Visitors must also wash their hands or use the hand gel when they leave wards or departments.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “Please help us to help you by complying with these rules.

"Thank you for your support at this challenging time for the NHS both locally and nationally.”