Visitors are permitted across the hospital as outlined below:

  • Unrestricted visiting on most wards
  • One booked visitor at a time for patients being treated on any ward where an outbreak of COVID-19 is ongoing
  • Please do not visit if you have symptoms of any infectious illness or believe you may be infectious for any other reason
  • Visitors must wear PPE if instructed by staff
  • Those who are at risk of harm if COVID is acquired should continue to use virtual visiting (special phone lines and video calls) instead - please see below
  • There is no need to call the ward in advance

There are some exceptions - please see below:

Wearing a mask

After a decline in Covid-19 numbers, we have altered our mask guidance and it is now voluntary in all areas, except for renal, oncology and haematology, for staff, patients and visitors.

If you would like to continue wearing a mask, you are welcome to do so and masks are still available at the entrances of the hospital.

Visiting in the Emergency Department (ED) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)

Patients are permitted to attend ED or UTC with one other person, with the exception of some patients – such as those receiving end of life care – who may be able to have more than one visitor, at the discretion of senior nurse or doctor.

Some spaces in the Emergency Department are limited, so visitors will not be able to stay for a prolonged period of time in these areas – staff will make you aware.

Visitors to the Observation Unit and Majors Stepdown will be asked to visit only for one hour a day. Children can be accompanied by one visitor to the paediatric Emergency Department, and it will be at the discretion of a senior nurse or doctor for an additional visitor to also attend. We will support two visitors for children where possible.

We recognise the importance of patients being with loved ones when coming to hospital, but we would ask that patients still continue to attend alone wherever possible so that the space does not become too busy.

Seats will be reserved for patients, so visitors may have to stand for prolonged periods.

Visiting in maternity services

Visiting for one birthing partner from 9.00am who will be able to stay overnight for induction of labour and following the birth of your baby/ies.

An additional visitor can attend between 2.00pm - 8.00pm, and siblings will be able to visit between 9.00am - 9.00pm.

Special phone lines

Visiting or speaking with friends and family is important to the wellbeing of our patients and we are doing all we can to help patients stay in touch with their loved ones with phone and video calls.

All wards have a special phone available to patients' families and their carers, which can be taken to the patient's bedside - please ask a member of the ward staff for details.

Video calls

All wards have facilities for online 'virtual visiting' via Microsoft Teams - please ask a member of the ward staff to organise this for you.