Update on visiting at Royal Bolton Hospital

We usually offer open visiting for those who wish to spend time with their loved ones while they are staying at Royal Bolton Hospital, and we recognise the important benefits this brings for patients and families.

However, over recent weeks like at other hospitals, we have been monitoring a rise in seasonal infections including norovirus, and as a result we are temporarily suspending open visiting.

For wards that are currently affected by infections, we're asking that relatives and loved ones do not attend, if possible. If you do need to visit, please call the ward in advance to discuss. These wards are:

• AMU2
• N3
• OPAU

For all other patients currently in our adult wards, visiting is restricted to 1 person per patient during the times of 1pm and 7pm.

These temporary visiting changes do not apply to our children’s and maternity wards.

Patients whose wellbeing will be adversely affected by these restrictions, such as patients with dementia, neurodiverse conditions or learning disabilities, may still have visitors, but please contact the ward staff to discuss in advance.

We'll be reviewing these measures on a daily basis and will lift any restrictions when it is safe to do so. Please be assured that these changes are being introduced with safety and wellbeing at the forefront.

What else are we doing to stop the spread of germs?

To protect everyone in our care, especially our most vulnerable patients, we are also putting additional measures in place across the hospital, including:

• Additional cleaning in any affected areas.
• Raised awareness to identify patients with these infections as early as possible.
• Raised awareness for staff and visitors regarding the importance of hand hygiene.
• Additional laboratory tests to identify affected patients as early as possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and support. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves, and we remain committed to ensuring visiting can continue safely for as many people as possible.