Visitors information

As a Trust, we recognise the contribution that visiting makes to the wellbeing and the person-centred care of our patients. Where patients are in one of our community inpatient units, staff will aim to do all they can to make sure families and loved ones can stay in contact safely, as far as possible.

Where visits are not possible, the use of smartphones, tablet computers and other forms of connection can be a great comfort in enabling patients to communicate with friends and relatives and staff will support family members to use this technology where possible.

 

Standard visiting times for inpatient units

We have open visiting hours across the units from 09:30, with the exception of protected meal times (unless there is an agreement with the nurse in charge where visitors are assisting with meal times). These are:

• 0800 - 0930hrs

• 1200 - 1330hrs

• 1700 - 1800hrs

All visitors are expected to have left the units by 2000hrs. In exceptional circumstances visits can be arranged outside of these visiting time via the Named/ Allocated nurse.

Visitors accompanying patients to an appointment or any of our walk in services are welcomed. You may be expected to wait in the relatives’ rooms or waiting areas at times when patients are or undergoing scanning/procedures. Also, at times when capacity is full, to avoid overcrowding in waiting rooms, visitors will be asked to wait outside.

Everybody deserves to be in an environment that is free from intimidation and threat. Any visitors who behave in an unacceptable or aggressive manner, may be asked to leave immediately for the safety and comfort of our patients and staff.

The following Visitors Charter has been created to make sure you feel welcomed, valued and informed and so you know what to expect when visiting a patient, as well as our expectations of you.