We know it’s important for you to visit your loved ones when they’re in hospital. We want to make it as easy as possible for you.
Most of our wards will allow 2 visitors at a time. Children under 18 must visit with an adult.
There might be times where this is different. For example if your loved one is on end-of-life care. Speak to the Ward Manager if you have any requests, questions or concerns.
In maternity, 2 birthing partners can support you while you have your baby. Only 1 partner can stay the whole time. When your baby is here, 2 adults can visit you at any one time.
In neonatal, both parents can stay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Only 2 adults are allowed at a cot at any time.
Yes, children can visit but they must come with an adult (someone 18 or older).
It is worth remembering that hospitals can be unsettling for younger children. There might be upsetting situations here. We would recommend talking to the nurse in charge to see whether it is right to bring a child to visit.
If your loved one is well enough, they can also meet their younger visitors in one of our cafes.
There are signs on our sites directing you to wards. Remember the name or number of the ward you are visiting. If you get lost, ask a member of staff. They will be happy to show you the way.
When you get to the ward you should follow the advice of the Ward Manager or nurse in charge.
You must clean your hands before and after visiting a ward or department. Sanitiser and soap and water are available for you to use. There are posters showing you the correct way to do this.
We know it can be difficult when someone you care for is in hospital. We will support you to be as involved as you want to be. You can stay longer outside of normal visiting hours.
If the person you care for is admitted to hospital, speak to the Ward Manager. They will give you a Carer Passport. This:
- Identifies you as a carer
- Helps you support the person you care for while they are in hospital
- Gives our staff information about the patient and how you support them
- Raises awareness of carers and how important they are to our patients
- Helps make sure we support and care for our patients in the best way
A Carer Partnership Agreements will be discussed with you. You will also be given a lanyard to wear.
Yes. We have free wi-fi for all our patients and visitors to use.
Just search for NHS wi-fi in your settings and register your details.
Yes, you can bring in food and drinks if your loved one can eat and drink as normal.
We wouldn’t recommend bringing in food or drink that has a short shelf life or that might go off. That’s things like meat, fish, dairy products, fresh fruit and veg, cooked food and leftovers, eggs or juice.
We wouldn’t recommend bringing in anything that’s not needed. Things like plants or flowers should be agreed by the nurse in charge first.
If you are unhappy about the care we have given, speak to the nurse in charge. We will try and resolve it there and then.
If we can’t, you can make a complaint. This will help us understand what has gone wrong and how we can fix it in future. Click here to see how to contact our Advice and Complaints team.
If you have urgent concerns that your loved one’s condition is getting worse, speak to the ward nurses and doctors.
If they don’t address your concerns, ring the numbers below. This is Martha’s Rule.
- Sunderland Royal Hospital – 0191 569 9199
- South Tyneside District Hospital – 0191 404 1195
