Visiting arrangements

Visiting arrangements

We’re really pleased to be able to remove any visiting restrictions that were introduced during the pandemic.

This means that relatives and friends are no longer required to book a slot to visit a patient in hospital. In most situations people will no longer be asked to visit for a set time.

It’s really important that visiting doesn’t negatively impact the wellbeing of our patients, and with that in mind that will continue to be some restrictions in place for practical purposes. These include having protected mealtimes, and some limitations on how many people can visit at one time in certain areas.

We ask that visitors continue to take reasonable precautions to keep everyone safe. Please do not visit if you are unwell – in particular with signs or symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or flu, diarrhoea and vomiting or other infectious illnesses.

Mask wearing in our hospital and health centres is now a personal choice for patients, staff and visitors, apart from in specific circumstances. We support anyone whose personal choice it is to continue to wear a face mask in any setting.

Face masks are available at our sites and hand gel is provided at most entry/exit points to departments. Patients within any respiratory pathway or with any respiratory symptoms should be encouraged to wear a face mask if tolerated.

For details of visiting in our maternity department please see our Maternity page.

Having family members or friends in hospital can be worrying so enquiries about patients can be made 24 hours a day by ringing 01204 390812.

Staff on this main reception line can tell you which ward a patient is on and put you through to the ward.

If several people need to know about a patient, it can be helpful to the hospital if just one person rings for the information, but staff are always there to help patients and visitors with any worries.

We have signed up to the John’s Campaign allowing open visiting times for relatives and carers of patients with dementia.

John's Campaign

John’s Campaign was started by the Nicci Gerrard, the daughter of Dr John Gerrard, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his mid-seventies, and Julia Jones, whose mother June Jones had a similar experience. Dr Gerrard’s experience was the catalyst for this campaign known as ‘stay with me’ to allow open visiting for family and carers to be there to support their loved ones during their stay.

We have dedicated teams of highly skilled nurses, doctors and allied healthcare professionals providing patients with dementia with specialised care. Carers are welcomed onto the ward and made to feel valued and respected as carers caring for their loved one living with Dementia.

While they visit the hospital, they are encouraged to participate in any care delivery or therapy sessions that they and the patients choose. We have overnight hygiene bags and fold down beds, if carers need to stay overnight.

The trust accepts that many patients and families want this and that patients benefit from the support of their loved ones whilst in hospital.

To find out more about John’s campaign visit www.johnscampaign.org.uk

When preparing for a visit to hospital, please try to avoid bringing any valuables such as jewellery or large amounts of money.

If you do bring valuables, they will be advised to hand them to staff for safekeeping, where they will be handed a receipt, or to leave them with a friend or relative to take home.

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