Strict new regulations on visits to patients in some of Northern Ireland hospitals are being introduced in a bid to drive down infections like MRSA.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced the new policy today during a visit to the Craigavon Area Hospital - it is also being introduced in the Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
Visiting times are to be standardised as much as possible, numbers restricted to two visitors per patient and visitors asked to ensure they wash their hands on arriving and leaving.
Things like flowers, plants, perishable foods and cuddly toys are also on the banned list. Any such items delivered or taken to a patient must be gone on the same day.
Children under 13 will not be permitted in wards unaccompanied and anyone who has any infectious condition, coughs, colds, or flu-like symptoms are asked not to visit.
Equally those who have suffered vomiting or diarrhoea are asked not to visit until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. In September the minister set new targets for the reduction of healthcare infections - by March 2009 a 10 per cent cut in MRSA and a 20 per cent reduction of clostridium difficile.
He told staff during his visit: "I will be very interested to hear of the impact of this policy in my drive to combat hospital acquired infections." Under the Southern Trust policy special consideration will be given to facilitate flexible visiting times to specialist wards such as Intensive Care/High Dependency Unit, Children's Wards, Neonatal, Special Care Baby Unit and Maternity Department.
Mr McGimpsey said: "Whilst a patient is in hospital, receiving visits from their friends and family plays a valuable role in assisting in their recovery. "A hospital is however, primarily a clinical environment where the focus and attention must be their safely, treatment and care."
The minister added: "Visitors to hospitals, as well as staff, play a vital role in combating infections such as MRSA and I would ask all visitors to familiarise themselves with the policy and follow basic hygiene measures such as washing their hands upon entering and leaving wards."
Ann Balmer, chairman of the Southern Trust said: "Our priority is the safe care of patients and ensuring a supportive, caring atmosphere for people when they are at their most vulnerable". She said the new policy - to be introduced in January - was a balance between the benefits provided by visitors and the need to allow patients time to recover from illness or surgery.
PA