"Visitor Restrictions"

First off, I am very aware, of what a difficult situation, the hospitals and staff are in, during the covid crisis.

However, I was with my dad for 19 hours on sun, from 4.30am, as my dad was dying and it didn't look, as if he would make it. He did. This was due to the great care and treatment, from staff...but I KNOW, that it was also because, we, were there, to hold his hand, in full PPE, to talk to him, to spend over an hour, feeding him, getting him, the ice cold water, that was good for his throat, asking the staff, to move him, when he was uncomfortable etc

By the time I left him on sun night, he was talking, he was eating a little, he had rallied. Since then, my older sister, saw him on tues night. We face timed him and he looked awful! My dad has had 2 negative covid tests. But because he went through a 'red ward', we can't see him anymore! I know there are thousands of relatives, of patients, out there who feel the same as us. Why can't we get covid tested? , I'll get tested every week, if it means, I can see and help my dad!

There is no way, the staff, can spend over an hour, trying to get my dad to eat. I phoned this morning and he is now on 'build drinks' because he wont eat. The staff do their best but without us, his family, being there, to support him..he is slowly dying. Surely, there has to be another way?

My brother, has come down, from up North to see my dad, as we thought he was ready to go, on sun night but he is not allowed to see his dad! I totally understand that staff have to be protected but we are not stupid!! We, as a family, have followed the government guidelines, to the letter. Why can't we see our dad? This could be his last days? We are not asking to all arrive, enmasse..but i don't see that it makes any difference, if we all get covid tested and follow full ppe guidleines...why we cannot be there with our dying dad.

Yes, if he suddenly goes down hill, I believe the staff will call us, to come in...but if this was your dad, would you be happy, to just say 'goodbye' and not have the time, when he is still alert enough, to have a chat?  I haven't seen my dad, in person, since sun night. Yes, you can get wee updates, but I need to see my dad, to see for myself, how he is. I know COVID, is still a big threat. But as said, if we get tested and wear full ppe, then surely, we should be able to see my dad?

I feel he is slipping away, and I know, I could help him, if i could visit...there has to be a better way, than these 'blanket' rules...surely, we still have to remember empathy and compassion...we have to remember that the NHS, is supposed to be 'person centred'?....The majority of my family have worked or work for the NHS...we know the responsibility but please, please ..we can take some of the strain, off staff, by helping my dad..which is better for them too?  Sorry, this is a bit long and garbled...we just want to care for our dad.