Our visiting guidance has been updated following the Government’s easing of national COVID-19 restrictions and we are now able to welcome visitors in line with this – please refer to the full information below.
You can also read the full maternity department visiting guidance here.
Who can visit?
Two visitors for each of our patients including those who are COVID-19 positive – visits must be booked in advance, and:
- Visiting will be for one hour, in agreement with the nurse in charge.
- Visitors should call the ward to arrange the appointment on 01279 44 44 55 (switchboard) or on their direct dial numbers, available on our wards page
Visiting is permitted without restrictions including for those who are COVID-19 positive as follows:
- Where assistance is being provided for communication e.g. for patients with learning disabilities, dementia, mental health, emotional, religious, spiritual or compassionate care needs
- Where the visitor is an unpaid or paid carer or personal assistant
- Both parents, carers and guardians of children and young people
- For end-of-life patients, where more than two visitors may be permitted at the ward manager’s discretion
Please note that only one parent/carer is permitted to attend the paediatric emergency department with their child. You can read more here >
Visiting times
Visits should be booked the day before and ward managers will determine visiting times. You will be advised of the exact visiting hours on the ward when you book your appointment.
You must not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (whether you have tested positive or not) or have been in contact with anyone who has tested COVID-19 positive in the last seven days.
Information for other services
Our patients may be accompanied by visitors to support them in outpatient, diagnostic services and emergency department settings. During very busy times, due to our physical capacity, you may be asked to wait outside the department until the patient is called for their appointment to enable our seating areas to be prioritised for patients.
Please note:
- Personal belongings: You should bring as few personal belongings as possible with you, e.g. bags, electronic devices, gifts. Food for the patient should be particularly avoided.
- Clothing: On arrival, you should remove outer clothing, e.g. your coat or jacket, roll up your sleeves and wash your hands.
- Face masks: Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, you are required to wear a face mask when attending our hospital, both in general spaces and areas where patients are cared for. If you require more information, our teams will advise you.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE ): In some settings, you may be required to wear PPE. Our teams will guide and support you. Going to the toilet and having had a small drink before putting on PPE can help avoid the need to remove it and put it back on during the visit.
- You do not need to self-isolate following your visit. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly and wear PPE when required.
Virtual visiting and message to a loved one
Our visitor information service enables family and friends of inpatients to keep in contact with their relatives and stay informed about their care when they are unable to visit in person.
Please email [email protected] or call
01279 962661 (lines open 9am-12pm) to arrange your ten-minute video call and find out how to join the call that will be hosted on secure video conferencing software, or to find out more about your loved one’s care.
You can find more information on virtual visiting here.
You can also keep in touch with your loved one by sending a message to them. Please email [email protected] or call
01279 962661 (lines open 9am-12pm). You can read more about the message to a loved one service here.