You must not come to our hospitals if you have:
- any symptoms of 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:
- wear a surgical mask if you are accompanying or visiting a patient who has respiratory symptoms
- wear a surgical mask if you are visiting a vulnerable patient or someone in a vulnerable patient area
- use the hand gel provided as soon as you enter the hospital, a ward or unit, and frequently thereafter
- 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
- 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.
Adult inpatient wards
Visiting times at our hospitals operate seven days a week.
Visiting times vary between wards, so please check with the ward nurse in charge before your visit.
To help keep patients safe, and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, extra visiting restrictions remain in place for certain patient groups.
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
Patients may be able to have additional visitors in exceptional circumstances – 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.
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.