COVID-19 - Important information

Visitor information and guidance - updated October 2023

Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to visit their relative or friend during their stay on the unit. Visitors play an important role in preventing the spread of infection. Help us to maintain a safe environment for all by following these guidelines:

General visiting guidance

• 2 visitors are allowed to visit a patient and can do so at the same time. Visitors do not have to book an appointment
• Please do not visit if you have any respiratory symptoms such as coughs, colds, or flu-like symptoms
• Please do not visit if you have been vomiting and or have diarrhoea. If you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting you must not visit until you have had no symptoms for 48 hours
• Please do not visit if you have any infectious conditions e.g. chicken pox, measles, etc.
• Please take note of the visiting times. If you wish to visit outside the allocated times please discuss with the ward staff

When you visit:

• If you become unwell with signs of infection while visiting please inform a member of staff before returning home to recover
• Use alcohol hand gel or wash your hands before and after visiting
• Avoid sitting on the patient’s bed
• Refrain from touching dressings and other equipment around the bed
• Do not allow children to crawl or play on the floor or sit on the patient’s bed
• If you know the person you are visiting has an infection, please do not visit other patients on the ward or on other wards
• Follow any guidance given by staff or displayed on posters, especially when visiting patients in single rooms
• Limit the number of items you bring for your loved ones so staff can clean around the bed spaces properly

If an outbreak of infection is confirmed or being investigated:

• Visiting will be reduced to 1 visitor per patient day in COVID-19 outbreaks for the duration of the outbreak. Visiting may be restricted during other outbreaks on advice from Infection Control. Information will be provided any changes.
• Compassionate visiting will be facilitated following risk assessment with the visitor and patient
• There may be limited visiting in an affected area. Please ring the ward prior to visiting and the ward staff can advise of the current situation. In some circumstances, visiting may be limited to essential visits only
• Visitors may be asked to wear a mask during their visit in an affected area
• Visitor numbers are restricted at the bedside at any one time. If this poses a difficulty, please speak to the ward staff

These guidelines are subject to review at any time and in accordance with local and national changes.