Last month such visits were stopped as a precaution to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
That restriction, however, has now been lifted following updated guidance from the British Association of Critical Care Nurses and the Infection Prevention Society.
Only one visitor will be allowed at a time and they will be required to wear personal protective equipment. Anyone who is unwell or showing symptoms of Covid-19 will not be permitted to visit.
Wherever possible, the patient will be asked for consent to receive visitors. If this is not possible, their previously-known wishes or the judgment of a closest relative or a legally-appointed proxy decision-maker will be taken into account.
Health Minister Richard Renouf 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.’
Meanwhile, relatives are being reminded of various support services they can access regardless of a patient’s diagnosis.
• HCS Patient Advisory Liaison Services (PALS) can be phoned on 443513 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• To contact the Hospital’s chaplaincy service phone 442377 or email Ma.Turner@health.gov.je.
• Anyone who would like bereavement and counselling services can contact Jersey Hospice Care and Macmillan Cancer Support on 876555 or email: bereavement@jerseyhospicecare.com.
• For spiritual support and a listening ear you can contact the Deanery on 720001 or 861110.
