Tessa Quinn
Visiting a friend or relative in the hospital can be difficult. You want to cheer them up, but you also don't want to tire them out or accidentally harm them. Before you visit, it's important to check the hospital's visiting hours and policies, as well as confirm with the patient that they're up for a visit. When you're there, be considerate of the patient's needs and feelings, and follow the hospital's rules. A good hospital visitor can have a positive influence on a patient's recovery, so read on for some tips on how to be one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confirm the visit with the patient | Call the hospital or the patient to check if they are well enough for a visit |
| Check the hospital's visiting hours | Avoid visiting during shift changes, typically between 7:00 and 8:00 am and in the evening |
| Check the hospital's visitor management policy | Wear a visitor badge, check in at the front desk, and respect any restrictions on the number of visitors |
| Respect the patient | Knock on the door, don't make loud noises, and leave when the patient needs privacy |
| Be considerate | Don't smoke near the hospital, only smoke in designated areas |
| Be respectful of the patient's feelings | Be relaxed and calm, and don't discuss problems at work or home |
| Be mindful of the patient's condition | Don't handle any hospital equipment or play with the bed controls |
| Be a good listener | Let the patient direct the conversation, and don't bring up religion unless they do |
| Be respectful of the patient's diet | Don't bring food or drink, patients are often on a strict diet |
| Be thoughtful with gifts | Flowers and balloons are not recommended due to allergies and fragrance sensitivities; consider books, magazines, or warm socks instead |
| Be mindful of your impact on the patient's recovery | Short visits by one or two people at a time are best, don't stay too long |
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What You'll Learn
Confirm the visit with the patient and hospital
Confirming the visit with both the hospital and the patient is an important step in being a good hospital visitor. While it may be tempting to show up unannounced, doing so could be a waste of time and rude if the patient is sleeping, resting, or being treated. Before you leave home, call the hospital to ensure the patient is well enough to see you and to check the hospital's visiting hours and policies. Many hospitals have set visiting hours, but these vary across hospitals and wards, and some hospitals welcome guests at all times. It is also important to check whether the patient has any tests, treatments, or therapies scheduled that day, as they may not be in their room. Some hospitals restrict the number of visitors at one time, so you may have to wait until other visitors leave before you can see the patient.
It is also important to ask the patient's permission to visit before you arrive. Ask them to be candid with you, and if they prefer you not to visit, ask if another day would be better or if they would prefer you to visit once they are home. If you promise to come back the next day, make sure you can do so. If you cannot fulfil your promise to visit, let the patient know. If you have any signs of illness, it is recommended that you postpone your visit until you are well.
If you are bringing a child with you, always check with the hospital first to see if the patient's condition will allow children to visit. During flu season, it is not uncommon for hospitals to restrict visitors to spouses, significant others, family members over 18, and pastors.
Once you arrive at the hospital, check in at the front desk before visiting the patient. This is to control the number of visitors in a room at one time. Hospitals have a duty to track the visitors that come to their buildings, so you should be issued a visitor badge to wear while in the building.
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Respect the patient and other patients
Respecting the patient and other patients is paramount when visiting a hospital. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Respect the patient's time and space
Before visiting, call the hospital to check if the patient is well enough to see you. Patients may be away from their rooms for tests or treatments, so knowing this in advance can save you a wasted trip. It is also important to confirm the visit with the patient. While it may fall within visiting hours, the patient may be sleeping, resting, or being treated. Showing up unannounced could be a waste of time and may be considered rude, especially if the patient is a private person.
Respect the patient's recovery
Rest is an important part of the recovery process. Although a patient may be getting better, having visitors can be tiring. Short visits by one or two people at a time are best, and it is better to visit more frequently for no more than 30 minutes or so each time. It is also important to respect the patient's feelings and emotions. They may feel helpless, frustrated, dependent, or be in pain, which can cause them to act differently.
Respect the patient's privacy
If a doctor or nurse enters the room to examine or treat the patient, offer to step out and wait outside. If the staff member is just checking equipment, they may allow you to stay. If the patient is due for treatment or monitoring, the staff may ask you to leave to give the patient private time with their caregiver.
Respect the patient's roommate
If the patient has a roommate, be considerate and avoid making loud noises. The roommate may be trying to rest, and loud noises or a constant stream of visitors can be disruptive to their recovery. Additionally, be mindful of any allergies the roommate may have. For example, flowers may be against the rules in certain wards due to patients' allergies.
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Be mindful of what you bring
When visiting a patient in the hospital, it is important to be mindful of what you bring. Hospitals have policies that outline visitor expectations, and some hospitals or units restrict visitors to immediate family members only. It is always good to call the hospital before your visit to check their visitation policy.
It is important to remember that patients are often on specialized medical diets and may have certain dietary restrictions. Therefore, it is not recommended to bring food from home. Outside food may also contain germs that could make the patient sicker. Instead, you can bring gifts that can help them pass the time, such as novels, activity books, puzzle books, card games, or photos. If you are unsure, you can always check in with the patient or a family member to see if they have any gift requests.
Flowers and balloons are also not recommended due to the increasing prevalence of latex allergies and fragrance sensitivities. In addition, a large bouquet of flowers may make the room feel crowded. If the patient has a roommate, flowers may also be against the rules. Instead, you can bring a small potted plant or a single flower without a strong fragrance.
It is also important to remember that hospital rooms are often small, so bringing large gifts may not be ideal. Instead, opt for small items that can remind the patient of home or bring comfort, such as their favourite magazine, a warm pair of socks, or their favourite stationery.
Lastly, remember to wash or sanitize your hands before entering the patient's room. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs and avoid bringing infections into the hospital environment.
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Keep visits short and positive
Visiting a friend or loved one in the hospital can be difficult. You want to cheer them up, but it's important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure you have a positive influence on their recovery.
It's important to keep visits short and positive. Patients may feel helpless, frustrated, dependent, and in pain, and their strength can diminish with too many visitors. Even if you are a welcome guest, staying too long may tire them out and rob them of much-needed rest. It's better to visit more frequently but for no more than half an hour or so each time. Be mindful of the patient's feelings and the fact that they may not want to ask you to leave. If you sense they are getting tired, politely excuse yourself and leave.
Before you leave home, check with the hospital to make sure the patient is well enough for a visit. Patients may be away from their room during the day for tests, treatment, or therapy. Knowing this in advance means you won't make the trip only to be refused entry or left waiting. If you are unwell, it's best to stay away from the hospital to avoid infecting patients, who are highly susceptible to infection.
It's also important to confirm the visit with the patient. While your visit may fall during the hospital's normal visiting hours, the patient may not be up for a visit. Showing up unannounced could be a waste of time if the patient is sleeping, resting, or being cared for. It could also be rude, especially if the patient is a private person. Always ask the patient's permission to visit and be candid about your plans. If they prefer you not visit, ask if another day would be better or if they would like you to visit once they are home.
When you arrive at the hospital, go to the main administration area and ask the receptionist to direct you to the patient's room. Check in with the nurse before entering the room to see if any personal protective equipment is required to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you enter and exit a hospital room. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs.
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Follow hospital rules and staff instructions
Hospitals have rules and policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients. It is important to follow these rules and any instructions given by the hospital staff. Before visiting, it is a good idea to call the hospital to check their visitation policy and confirm that the patient is well enough to receive visitors. Some hospitals have set visiting hours, while others welcome guests at all times. Certain units have strict visiting hours and some have policies that restrict the number of visitors. For example, intensive and special care units often limit visitors to immediate family members and only for short periods. It is also important to respect the patient's roommate, if they have one, by keeping the noise level down and avoiding any strong scents, such as perfume or cologne.
When you arrive at the hospital, go to the main administration area and ask the receptionist to direct you to the patient’s room. Check in with the nurse before entering the room to see if any personal protective equipment is required and always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs. Hospitals have a duty to track the visitors that come to their buildings, so you should expect to be issued a visitor badge to wear while in the building.
During your visit, follow any instructions given by the hospital staff. If a staff member needs to examine or treat the patient, they may ask you to leave the room. Respect the patient's wishes if they would like you to step out or come back at another time. It is important to keep visits short, as patients need adequate rest, and too many visitors can be tiring. It is recommended to keep visits to no more than 30 minutes and limit the number of visitors to one or two people at a time.
It is also important to follow any instructions given by the patient. For example, if they request that you do not bring children to the hospital, respect their wishes and make arrangements for childcare. Similarly, do not bring outside food or drink unless the patient specifically requests it, as patients are often on specialized diets. Always dispose of any trash before leaving and leave the patient's room uncluttered and clean.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to be considerate and respectful of the patient and their fellow patients. Always confirm with the patient that they are happy to receive visitors, and check the hospital's visiting hours and policies before you arrive. Keep visits short and be mindful of the patient's energy levels. Respect their privacy and comfort, and don't offer medical advice or handle any equipment.
Small gifts like books, magazines, or cards are thoughtful, but always consider the patient's preferences and the limited space in hospital rooms. Flowers and balloons are not recommended due to potential allergies and fragrance sensitivities. Avoid bringing outside food and drinks as patients are often on specialised diets.
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or smoking near the patient as these can cause discomfort. Refrain from giving medical advice or handling any equipment. Do not overstay your welcome, and be mindful of the patient's need for rest and privacy. Do not bring young children unless necessary and always check with the hospital first.
