THE NHS in Gloucestershire is easing some of the restrictions around visiting hospitals in the county, including at Dursley's Vale Hospital, as part of the next phase of COVID-19 planning.

The restrictions, which were implemented in March to limit the spread of the virus and protect patients, staff and visitors, stopped the majority of visits during the peak of the pandemic.

But from today (Wednesday), a limited number of visits will be permitted, as long as visitors adhere to specific guidelines which include wearing a face covering and maintaining two metre social distancing.

The updated restrictions will apply to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH), Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH) and seven community hospitals in the county, including The Vale in Dursley, Stroud and Cirencester.

They are also applicable to the county’s mental health and learning disability inpatient units, including at Berkeley House in Stroud and Wotton Lawn in Gloucester.

Visiting hours at Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and the Community Hospitals are restricted to 2pm to 6pm, seven days a week.

Only one visitor - a close family member or carer - may visit for one hour per day.

Exceptions may be made for relatives hoping to visit on compassionate grounds. These visitors are being asked to telephone the ward and speak to staff if they wish to visit outside the specified hours.

The trust has also put arrangements in place to support ‘virtual visiting’ and people are welcome to keep in touch with relatives in this way for the time being.