Coming to see a loved one?
We know how important is for patients to keep in contact with their family and close friends while they are in hospital. Please speak to the ward about visiting your loved one.
Our guidance for visiting hours across all inpatient wards at our hospitals is:
- Patients on inpatient wards may receive visitors between 2pm-7pm, with no appointment needed. Please note - these times can change at the discretion of ward managers. Visit our ward finder to confirm arrangements.
- While a patient may have different visitors during the day, a maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at any one time
- There is no limit on how long a visitor may stay with a patient between these hours.
We know that not everyone will be able to visit their loved one in hospital. We encourage you to keep in touch with your loved one through their mobile phone or tablet. Please speak to the ward if this is not possible so they may support you in keeping in touch.
Patients can also attend with one person in the following areas. However please be aware, they may be asked to wait outside if waiting areas are busy:
- Emergency departments
- Acute medical units
- Observation and assessment units (including Emergency Surgical - Assessment Unit)
- Ambulatory care units
- Outpatient departments
- Diagnostic services.
Any other relatives or friends will be required to wait outside of the hospital.
Please note, visiting can be restricted or suspended with immediate effect if there are any concerns about safety or the risk of spreading infection.
Anyone with symptoms of flu or COVID-19 should not visit our hospitals, with the exception of essential visiting for compassionate reasons, such as visiting patients receiving end of life care.
Whilst in our hospitals, ensure you continue to follow guidance on preventing infection and any other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff. You must also clean your hands using soap and water before entering and leaving the ward areas.
You may be asked to wear a mask, which will be provided, when:
- Visiting patients who have a suspected or confirmed infection
- In areas where there is increased numbers of patients with suspected or confirmed infections e.g. Emergency Department and assessment areas.
