Arrangements for Visitors
A family member, a friend or neighbour attending the hospital to pay a visit to a patient and will be welcomed to do so during the stated core visiting times.
Adult Wards: 2pm-8pm
Paediatrics and Neonatal Unit: 2pm-8pm
Maternity: 2pm-8pm
Intensive Care Unit: please contact the unit for details
Arrangements for Care Partners
Someone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support and will be welcomed to be with the patient so at any time.
Adult Wards: care partners any time
Paediatrics and Neonatal Unit: Parents or guardians any time
Maternity: Labour ward partners any time | ante and post-natal partners 9am-9pm
Intensive Care Unit: please contact the unit for details
Guidance for children visiting loved ones
Visiting Charter
What you can expect from us
- We will ensure that the safety and care of our patients is our priority.
- We will make you feel welcome.
- We will wear our Trust photo identification badges visibly at all times.
- We will welcome any feedback you have about your hospital visit.
- We will ensure that masks and hand gel are accessible to you.
- We may ask you to leave the bedside for a short time whilst we deliver care or to protect confidentiality.
- We believe Mealtimes Matter and we will try to avoid care delivery at mealtimes so that patients can eat their meal in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with minimal interruption.
- Visitors are welcome to assist the person they are visiting at mealtimes, with their agreement. Please speak to the nurse in charge before assisting.
In return, this is what we expect from you
- Be polite and courteous to staff, other patients and visitors.
- On arrival check with staff if it is ok to visit, the person you are visiting may be occupied in some way.
- Respect our visiting times and precautions.
- Have consideration for staff doing their job and for patients who need rest and privacy.
- Observe confidentiality – you may see or hear things of a private nature; you must not film or photograph other patients, visitors or staff.
- Be responsible for and in control of your children if they are visiting. Please see our guidance.
- Be responsible for the safety and security of your belongings.
- Remember that rest is important for you and the person you are visiting.
- Be respectful to other patients and keep noise levels to a minimum; please put your mobile phone on silent.
Infection prevention and control
- Face masks are no longer required in our hospitals, unless you are advised to use one by the ward or department you are visiting. Those who would prefer to continue wearing a face mask in any area of our hospitals are welcome to do so.
- We ask you not to visit if you or any members of your household, have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or are unwell with other infections, for example Norovirus. If you do, you put the wellbeing of your loved one at risk and also threaten the health of other patients and our staff.
- If you are visiting a patient with an infection or a care area with infectious patients you will be made aware of any infection risks and offered appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Use hand gel when entering and leaving ward areas and wear a hospital provided mask at all times in clinical areas.
- Please help keep our hospital clean and inform staff of any cleaning concerns.
- We ask for only two people at the bedside at a time please though if there are particular circumstances the nurse in charge may be able to make an exception.
Aggression, violence and discrimination will not be tolerated | We will protect our staff | Thank you for your consideration and support