PEOPLE wanting to visit loved ones in hospitals across North Wales are being reminded that restrictions remain in place, despite updated guidance from the Welsh Government.

The Welsh Government has publishing revised NHS Wales hospital visiting guidance which commenced from 20 July 2020.

This supersedes previous published guidance of 25 March and 20 April 2020.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said they are urgently working on how to implement the latest guidance safely but will not be able to do this for all patients at this time.

A spokesperson for the health board added: "Before we can implement this guidance, we must ensure that it is as safe as possible for everyone to maintain social distancing.

"We hope to be able to introduce the new arrangements in a phased way and further information will follow. If you have an appointment, please contact your midwife or ultrasound department to discuss this.

"We appreciate that it is a difficult time for everyone and we will continue to support the well-being of our patients / service users and their families and loved ones in the best way we can."

"Thank you for your ongoing patience during this time."

Since April 23, visiting at all North Wales hospitals - including Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital - has been suspended to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Visiting patients who are not infected with coronavirus will only be permitted in the following circumstances:

One parent or guardian for paediatric (Children’s Ward) inpatients and neonatal wards;

One visitor at a time for an agreed amount of time to patients receiving end of life care. Permission from the ward sister or charge nurse must be obtained in advance;

One birthing partner from the same household to support a woman in labour will be permitted;

For patients with dementia or a learning disability, where the absence of visitors is causing undue distress. This will be at the discretion of the senior sister or charge nurse, following a risk assessment and discussions with their family/carers.

Other exceptions may be provided in special circumstances at the discretion of ward sister, charge nurses or managers.

The new guidance from the Welsh Government outlines that the numbers of visitors will continue to be restricted to comply with social distancing measures; that virtual visiting should be encouraged and supported where possible; face-to-face visiting needs to be agreed in advance and outdoor visits may be offered if appropriate and visiting should be with a clear purpose.