Distress for families as many hospitals impose strict new rule on visiting patients over Christmas amid flu surge

"Rules bring back bad memories of winter waves during pandemic when people were unable to see their sick relatives"

"Family members face the distress of not being able to see sick relatives in hospital over Christmas, as many impose a strict "one person only" visiting rule to stem the spread of flu."

"The fallout for patients comes as hospitals across the country battle the flu surge, as well as the winter vomiting bug and other viruses."

Strict hospital visiting rules are preventing families from seeing sick relatives, causing emotional distress and reviving memories of pandemic isolation. Many hospitals are enforcing a 'one person only' visiting policy to reduce transmission of influenza and other infectious viruses. The restrictions are particularly painful over the Christmas period when relatives would normally gather. Hospital capacity is strained as clinical teams respond to higher patient numbers and heightened infection-control measures. The combined impact is practical disruption to care and significant emotional harm for patients and their families during an already stressful season.

Read at Independent