Visiting guidance update
Updated 7 February 2022
We have made some changes to visiting arrangements at our hospitals. With immediate effect, our inpatient wards are now open to visitors, as set out in detail below.
Please note that visiting guidance for some wards in our hospitals may vary, so please check with the nursing team on the ward before visiting.
Inpatient wards
Each patient can have one visitor at any one time. With prior agreement by the ward team, patients can see more than one person per day. Visitors must swap outside the hospital buildings in order to avoid overcrowding inside the hospital.
To help keep patients safe, and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, extra visiting restrictions remain in place for certain patient groups.
Visiting times at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals operate seven days a week. Please check with the ward nurse in charge before your visit, as visiting times vary between wards.
The nurses on the wards have responsibility for their patients’ care and may restrict the number of visitors on a ward to avoid overcrowding and maintain safe social distancing.
Exceptional circumstances
In some circumstances, patients may be able to have more than one visitor at the bedside – for example, if a patient has additional needs, requires additional support, or is at the end of their life.
Please speak to the nursing team on the ward for more information.
Outpatient appointments
Outpatient appointments should be attended alone unless you require a relative or carer to support you during your visit.
Find out more about coming to the hospital for an outpatient appointment
Across our hospitals, the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is paramount, and we continue to observe the measures we currently have in place to keep everyone safe during their visit. These are set out below.
You must not come to our hospitals if you have:
- Any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Recently tested positive for COVID-19, or are waiting for a test result
- Been in close contact with a confirmed case
- Respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea or vomiting.
All visitors must:
- Arrive at the hospital wearing a face mask and keep it on throughout your visit. Face masks will be available at the entrance
- Follow other personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance as directed by staff during your visit, who will also guide you on how to remove and dispose of the PPE appropriately
- Use hand gel as soon as you enter a ward or unit, and frequently thereafter
- Follow the additional measures that will be requested by our staff if you are visiting a patient with an infection
- Follow NHS guidance on how to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus.
Virtual visiting
We understand how important the support of family and friends can be for patients in their recovery while they are in hospital, so while we are welcoming back visitors, please do not forget you can also use 'virtual visiting' to help keep in touch with loved ones.
Ward staff will try to make sure patients have access to, and support with, electronic devices such as iPads and smartphones, whenever needed. We have a small supply in our hospitals, but inpatients should bring their own where possible.
Overnight accommodation
We have accommodation available for visitors if there is a need to stay overnight. For more details, please visit our visitor accommodation page.