Our Visiting Charter

We will all have zero-tolerance for verbal or physical abuse and follow measures put in place to protect everyone’s safety.

Staff will:

• take action when safety measures are not complied with

Visitors are asked to:

• avoid disturbing staff who are carrying out clinical or caring duties; you may need to wait to speak to medical staff

We will all be polite and courteous to each other. We will consider the impact of our actions and behaviours on others and respond appropriately if we are asked to change the way we are acting or behaving.

Staff will:

• support family, next of kin and carers who wish to be involved in patient care
• listen to feedback

Visitors are asked to:

• respect all patients’ privacy and dignity and leave the bedside or ward if requested
• inform staff of any specific needs that the patient has and if you would like to help with their care (with the patient’s permission)
• respect that information cannot be shared unless the patient has given their permission
• speak to the nurse in charge if you feel that you have not been given enough information or if you have any questions about patient care
• Let staff know if you will be helping the patient at mealtimes
• keep family members, next of kin and carers well informed (with the patient’s permission)

We will all keep unnecessary noise down and put personal phones on ‘silent’.

Visitors are asked to:

• talk to the nurse in charge if you plan to bring young children to visit, and supervise children at all times
• respect that patients should have no more than two visitors by their bed at any time (alternative arrangements can be made in exceptional circumstances)
• take breaks from the bedside to allow the patient to rest if needed
• provide essential personal items like toiletries, dentures, glasses, suitable clothing and footwear, which help provide comfort and familiarity

We will all allow housekeepers to access all areas for cleaning when asked and help patients to keep their bed space tidy.

We will all follow infection control instructions at all times, avoid sitting on beds by using chairs provided and practice good hand hygiene.

Visitors are asked to:

• stay away if you have cold or flu symptoms, vomiting or diarrhoea; wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have gone before visiting
• understand that visiting may not be allowed if there is an increase in infections