Information for visitors

We will be continuing with inpatient visiting by booked appointment only. This means we can offer one close family member or somebody else close to the patient the opportunity to visit them.

Ward staff will discuss with visitors if they have had any symptoms or whether there are any contacts in their households with Covid-19. If the answer to either of these is yes, the visit will need to be rearranged for another time.

All visitors must comply with handwashing, social distancing and infection control instructions to protect other visitors, patients and staff.

• Visiting is allowed in some wards: please telephone the ward in advance of arriving to find out what the visiting rules are. Contact information for wards and departments are available on our website. Please be patient when calling our ward staff – they will do their very best to help you
• Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 must not visit: if you are unwell or have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste) you must not visit
• Visits must be booked in advance with the ward: please telephone the ward to pre-arrange your visit. Ward staff will be able to discuss ways to stay in contact and communicate with your relative or friend
• Please confirm a negative lateral flow test on the day of visiting: visitors must have undertaken a lateral flow test with a negative result on the day of their visit. Proof of this may be asked on arrival to the ward
• Please help us to keep everyone safe: all visitors must wear a face covering or mask (unless exempt – please discuss this with the ward manager), maintain social distancing and wash their hands thoroughly on entering the ward. Visitors should do the same on leaving the ward, and follow all other guidance given by our staff

Access to lateral flow test devices: Members of the public can access lateral flow devices from the Gov.uk website – https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or alternatively can be ordered and collected from local pharmacies or community sites – find out if you can collect more tests from a site near you here.

We thank you for your support and understanding at this challenging time. The safety of our staff, patients, carers and visitors remains our top priority. In line with national guidance, we will review our position on allowing normal visiting to our inpatient units, as the situation with Covid-19 evolves, so it is important that anyone planning to visit calls the ward before arriving.