Changes to visiting rules at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Main changes

The main changes are as follows:

• Adult inpatients on wards will be allowed two named visitors (one at a time)
• Patients nearing the end of life will be allowed four named visitors (two at a time)

Maternity and children remain unchanged

The arrangements for maternity and children remain unchanged and are as follows:

• Women during labour or a caesarean section may be accompanied by one birthing partner
• Women on the maternity wards can be visited by their partner or one named visitor between the hours of 10am and 10pm
• Children under 16 on our inpatient wards can be visited by two named adults (usually parents), although not at the same time.
• Babies in the Neonatal Unit can be visited by both parents at any time.

How you can visit the hospital

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust will be asking each visitor to pre-book their visit with the ward and to come at a different time to other named visitors. Visits should be limited to one hour, although exceptions can be made for patients with dementia or a learning disability.

Contact details for wards at University Hospital Lewisham

Contact details for wards at Queen Elizabeth Hospital

You will also be encouraged to perform a rapid Covid 19 test using a lateral flow device (LFD) at home or at a rapid test centre, report the results on the government website and bring along the email or text confirming a negative result. You can order LFD kits for free online.

Visitors who have not been able to get a rapid test beforehand will be able to book a lateral flow test at the Trust, as follows:

• University Hospital Lewisham , pre assessment clinic, first floor, Yellow Zone, 2pm–4pm, Monday to Saturday. To book a test, call 020 8333 3000 x6097.
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital Meridian Car Park testing centre, 9am–4pm, Monday to Sunday. To book, call 020 8836 6886.

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust will continue to ask adult patients to attend the emergency departments, cancer services and outpatient appointments alone where possible. Vulnerable patients – such as those with dementia or who have a learning disability – will be supported to attend with a carer.