Visiting times and information

We have eased some of our current restrictions around visiting, to enable you to see loved ones and friends safely while they are being cared for in our hospitals. 

Restrictions around visiting patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are still in place and you should contact the ward manager for further information.

Please see below for information on visiting and the measures we need you to take to protect yourself, our patients and our staff. Thank you for your support and co-operation

Adult inpatient wards

• Each patient will be allowed one named visitor per day.
• All visits must be booked in advance via our wards. You can contact 0191 5656256 and ask to be put through to the ward, or direct lines to wards can be found here.
• Each visiting slot will be for 30 mins (an extra 15 minutes will be allowed for arrival / departure and discussion with ward staff where necessary)
• Children are not permitted on the wards at this time.

Children’s wards and neonatal

• One parent is allowed to stay with a child on our children’s wards. There are no time restrictions.
• Children are not permitted on the wards at this time.
• One parent is allowed to visit babies on our neonatal unit (two parents with twins). Visiting times should be arranged with the unit in advance.

Emergency Department

• Please attend our Emergency Departments alone. The only exception to this is if you require a carer to accompany you.
• One parent / carer can accompany children under the age of 18 years old.
• You will be asked to wear a face mask and to ensure social distancing in our waiting rooms. Please follow this at all times. The only exemptions will apply to those with genuine medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask and children under 11.

Emergency Assessment Units

• Any carers present at time of admission to support transfer may stay on the Emergency Admissions Unit for 15 mins only. 
• All other visiting will be virtual.  The Emergency Assessment Units have the technology to support this. Please call the unit to arrange your virtual visit.
• Any exceptional visiting requirements can be discussed with the nurse in charge.

Maternity

• Mums-to-be can now bring one person with them to their scan appointments. Due to social distancing, those attending will only be able to stay during the scan appointment and will need to wait outside the department at all other times.
• You can continue to have one named person with you through labour and delivery
• If you are on our antenatal or postnatal wards, you will be able to have one named visitor between 6pm and 7pm. This is by appointment only and must be arranged with the ward in advance.
• We ask that you continue to attend your antenatal clinic and day unit appointments alone, unless a carer is required.

Outpatient appointments

Please continue to come alone to all outpatient appointments. The only exception to this is if you need a carer.

Exceptional circumstances

We recognise there will be exceptional circumstances (for example patients who have dementia, delirium, learning disabilities and end of life). Please discuss visiting options with the ward manager or nurse in charge.

Important information for all visitors (PLEASE READ)

• You must not visit if you feel unwell in any way or if any member of your household is unwell with a high temperature, persistent cough or other COVID-19 symptoms.
• You must book a time slot with the ward prior to visiting. You can do this by contacting the ward (contact details are available here). Please do not just turn up as you will be turned away.
• We will ask you for some personal details on your arrival (name, address, telephone number). This is for test and trace purposes and must be provided. To view our privacy notice and how we use your information click here.
• You must wear a face covering or face mask when entering our Trust buildings. If you do not have one, you can get one from the hygiene stations at all entrances.
• Please do not arrive before your allocated appointment time to allow for social distancing. Please maintain socially distanced from other visitors outside of our wards and use the buzzer when you arrive to let us know you are here.
• You must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in our ward areas and as directed by our staff. This could be apron, face mask and gloves. If you fail to do this you will not be allowed on to the ward.
• Please wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly when entering and exiting all buildings and again when entering and exiting our wards and clinic areas.
• You will need to keep your face mask on until your leave the building where you should safely dispose of them in the dedicated bins provided.

Please note that our restaurants are currently closed to the public.