* HOSPITAL VISITING UPDATE *
Further to my update last week, I have today heard again from Miles Scott, Chief Executive of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (which covers Pembury Hospital). He has informed me that the Trust have further reviewed their hospital visitor guidance, and in addition to the allowance of one guest per patient in the Emergency Department, in-patients from tomorrow will be allowed two visitors for up to two hours.
All nursing staff have also been asked to be flexible with patients and their visitors where appropriate, as well as offer virtual opportunities for patients to keep in contact with their friends and family and support the use of phone calls or video messaging if requested.
I am still pushing for us to go back to the pre Covid regime of visiting hours, but I thank Miles and his team for this additional progress. If you, or your family, have any issues visiting friends and family in local hospitals please do email my office at laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk.