Family members allowed to say 'last goodbyes'

Friday 17 April 2020

Islanders are now allowed to visit dying family members in the hospital and at other health sites to say their "last goodbye" after the Health Minister relaxed restrictions.

Last month, all visitors were blocked from seeing patients as a precautionary measure.

However, that restriction is now being relaxed in line with guidance from the British Association of Critical Care and the Infection Prevention Society.

Under the new rules, only one family member should visit at a time, and should wear PPE.

Pictured: Islanders at the end of their lives can now receive visitors in hospital.

They will be provided with support in putting on and removing protective equipment safely.

The hospital will also make arrangements for those needing help to visit.

Where possible, the patient will be asked for their consent to receive visitors. If this is not possible, their previous wishes and the opinions of close relatives or legal representatives will be considered.

Anyone with symptoms of covid-19 will not be allowed to visit, but the hospital has agreed to set up a virtual meetings using tablets or smartphones.

The announcement comes after Express asked the Health Minister and Medical Director whether they would consider relaxing visitor restrictions to provide comfort to those in their final days, as well as their loved ones - something many concerned islanders had called for.

Video: Express asked whether the government could relax visitation restrictions for dying islanders at a press conference yesterday.

In response, the Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, promised to keep the matter "under review", admitting that the issue "troubled" him.

Announcing the change in policy this evening, he said: "We recognise that it is important for relatives to be able to see their loved ones when they are critically ill, especially as it may be their opportunity to say their last goodbye.

"These updated guidelines ensure that visits to patients receiving end-of-life care can go ahead, while also ensuring the safety of visitors and healthcare staff on the ward."