Harrogate Hospital eases visiting regulations as coronavirus lockdown continues to ease

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Strict rules have been in place ever since the coronavirus pandemic started back in March, meaning inpatients were unable to be visited during their stay.

Now, with the steady easing of the national lockdown, hospital officials have announced that all inpatients can now be visited - so long as strict guidelines are adhered to.

The hospital announced the new visiting regulations via a Twitter message on their social media account this morning.

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A strict two hour visiting window has been set up between 2pm and 4pm with one pre-booked person allowed to visit at any one time. They must also wear PPE equipment.

"We've been able to relax a little further our visiting arrangements at Harrogate District Hospital & Ripon Community Hospital." it read. "Thank you for your continuing understanding and patience.

"With immediate effect, visiting for all inpatients is now allowed. This must be one visitor per patient between 2-4pm each day (seven days a week).

"Visitors need to book prior to visiting by calling the relevant ward and complete a Covid-19 questionnaire.

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"Please don't just arrive - we do still need to carefully manage numbers of people. Visitors must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) - a mask, a visor, gloves and an apron. This will be provided on arrival at the ward."