Tessa Quinn
Visiting a friend or relative in the hospital is generally allowed and encouraged, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the patient's health and wellbeing. However, hospitals may have specific rules and restrictions in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff, and communities. Visitors are typically restricted to no more than two people at any one time, and hospitals may have specific visiting hours and guidelines regarding children visiting. It is important to check with the ward before bringing certain items, such as food or flowers, as these may not be permitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospital visiting rules | Vary from hospital to hospital |
| Covid-19 restrictions | In some places, Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed, but hospitals continue to follow the rules to protect patients, staff, and visitors |
| Exemptions | Visiting a patient receiving end-of-life care, accompanying a woman in labour, visiting your child, supporting someone with a mental health issue |
| Infection prevention | Visitors must follow infection prevention control messaging around hands, face, and space |
| Virtual visits | Virtual visits using video and phone calls are allowed |
| Property drop-off | Relatives/friends can drop off essential items for their loved ones from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm |
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What You'll Learn
- Hospitals are taking steps to allow visitors while maintaining safety protocols
- Some hospitals are permitting visitors for end-of-life patients
- Maternity wards may allow birthing partners and support people
- Hospitals may require visitors to follow infection control measures
- Some hospitals allow visitors to bring essential items for patients
Hospitals are taking steps to allow visitors while maintaining safety protocols
Hospitals are taking several measures to allow visitors while maintaining safety protocols. These measures vary depending on the hospital and the type of patient being visited. For example, at Desert Care Network hospitals, labour and delivery, and postpartum patients are allowed a varying number of visitors, while NICU and pediatric patients are allowed two designated visitors for the duration of their stay. Surgery patients may have one visitor each in the pre-operative and post-operative areas, and emergency room patients are not allowed any visitors unless it is medically necessary. COVID-19 positive patients are generally not allowed any visitors, except in end-of-life situations, where a limited number of visitors, usually two, are permitted.
To ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff, hospitals are implementing various safety protocols. These include encouraging hand hygiene, providing optional surgical masks to patients and visitors, and requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, as mandated by certain states or hospital networks. Some hospitals are also providing entry passes to patients and visitors, which help identify individuals within the hospital premises and streamline security measures.
In addition to these measures, hospitals are reminding individuals who have recently travelled domestically or internationally to take measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and optional self-quarantine. Hospitals also encourage individuals to stay up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters, wear masks if they are unwell or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness, and observe isolation guidelines when appropriate.
It is important to note that hospitals generally encourage relatives and friends to visit patients, but also advise staggering visitors and limiting the number of visitors per patient to prevent patients from getting overwhelmed or tired. Hospitals also have restrictions on children visiting and advise calling ahead to check the specific arrangements for the ward you are visiting. Other general restrictions include limitations on bringing food, flowers, and smoking materials into the hospital.
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Some hospitals are permitting visitors for end-of-life patients
As of May 2023, Johns Hopkins Medicine allows care partners and visitors for patients. Care partners are allowed 24/7 and can even stay overnight with the patient. They may provide support and be included in the patient's care decisions, but they cannot override the legally authorized health care decision-maker (LAHD). Visitors are allowed to visit patients at any time, and patients can choose who they want their visitors to be.
In the UK, NHS hospitals in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin previously allowed visitors only for patients receiving end-of-life care. Visitors were restricted to immediate family members or carers. Similar exceptions were made for patients with mental health issues such as dementia, a learning disability, or autism, where the absence of a visitor would cause distress. These hospitals required all visitors to wear hospital-provided face masks to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
In December 2020, Memorial Hermann hospitals in Houston, Texas, did not allow in-person visits except for a few compassionate-care exceptions, such as end-of-life care. St. Luke's Health hospitals in Houston allowed non-COVID-19 end-of-life patients to have two adult visitors at a time for a maximum of one hour.
While hospitals generally encourage friends and family to visit patients, the number of visitors each patient is allowed is usually restricted for the patient's health. Visitors may also be subject to screening, and those who are sick will not be permitted to enter.
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Maternity wards may allow birthing partners and support people
Hospitals encourage friends and relatives to visit patients, but patients can get tired very quickly. Therefore, the number of visitors each patient is allowed is usually restricted, typically to no more than two people at any one time. It might be necessary to stagger visitors so that they come at different times. Visiting rules may vary depending on the hospital and the type of ward.
It is important to note that hospitals have different policies and restrictions on visiting hours and the number of visitors allowed, especially in the context of the current pandemic. Therefore, it is always best to check with the specific hospital and ward before planning a visit. Additionally, hospitals may have other rules and guidelines for visitors, such as restrictions on children visiting, bringing certain foods, or smoking policies.
To ensure the safety of patients and staff, hospitals encourage visitors to maintain good hand hygiene by using soap and water or alcohol hand rubs when entering or leaving a patient's room or other areas of the hospital. Visitors should also be mindful of other guidelines, such as not sitting on the patient's bed to prevent the spread of germs. By following these instructions, visitors can help create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone during their visit to the hospital.
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Hospitals may require visitors to follow infection control measures
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures to prevent the spread of infections. Hospitals may require visitors to wash their hands frequently, especially before entering a patient's room, after using the toilet, and before touching any medical devices. Proper handwashing involves wetting hands and wrists, applying soap, rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds, rinsing with water, and drying with a clean towel. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective and are often provided at hospital entrances and exits.
Respiratory Etiquette
Visitors should be mindful of respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of germs through coughing or sneezing. Hospitals may require visitors to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of tissues properly. Visitors should also be mindful of keeping their hands away from their faces to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs can enter the body through these routes.
Visitor Restrictions
Hospitals may implement visitor restrictions to control infections. Visitors who are sick, have a fever, or have been exposed to infectious diseases such as COVID-19, chickenpox, or the flu should not visit. They should stay home and consider alternative ways to connect with their loved ones, such as through phone or video calls. Hospitals may also restrict the number of visitors per patient and the age of visitors to minimize the risk of infection.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In certain situations, hospitals may require visitors to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This is particularly important when visiting patients with infectious diseases or those in isolation. Signage is usually posted outside the patient's room to indicate the required PPE, which may include items such as masks, gloves, or gowns. Visitors should follow the instructions provided by the hospital regarding the appropriate use and disposal of PPE.
Food and Flower Restrictions
Hospitals may have restrictions on bringing food and flowers to patients. Certain foods and flowers may pose a risk of spreading infections, especially in wards with patients who have weakened immune systems. Visitors should check with the ward staff before bringing any food or flowers to ensure they are allowed and do not pose a risk to the patient or other individuals in the hospital.
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Some hospitals allow visitors to bring essential items for patients
Hospitals encourage friends and relatives to visit patients. However, patients can get tired quickly, so hospitals usually restrict the number of visitors to two people at any one time. Visitors should always clean their hands with soap and water or alcohol hand rubs when entering or leaving a patient's room or other areas of the hospital. It is also recommended to wear a face mask to protect both the patient and the visitor from airborne viruses.
- Personal identification: Two different pieces of ID are typically required when visiting someone in the hospital.
- Health insurance cards: It is important to bring any relevant health insurance cards or information.
- Prescription medications: Any medications that the patient is currently taking should be brought in their original packaging.
- Personal care items: Basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, a hairbrush, and a razor, are allowed.
- Clothing: Patients may appreciate having a change of clothes, such as pajamas or a nightgown, a bathrobe, and proper footwear.
- Alternative gifts: Visitors can bring cards, books, crossword puzzles, or a pair of slippers for the patient.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hospital visits are allowed in the UK. The government and NHS England have issued guidance that hospitals should facilitate visits in a risk-managed way. This may include the use of face coverings or limiting the number of visitors at one time.
Visiting hours vary depending on the hospital and the department. For example, at University Hospitals North Midlands, visiting is permitted between 9 am and 9 pm for partners and children, and general visiting is permitted between 6 pm and 9 pm. At Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, there are protected mealtimes during which visitors are asked to leave, and visiting times may be shortened to protect patient welfare and privacy.
Yes, there may be restrictions on who can visit and when. For example, children under 12 are often not allowed to visit unless approved by the patient care team or nurse manager. Visitors may also be asked to wait outside if the department is full or if the patient is in the resuscitation room, undergoing a scan, or in an ambulance assessment area. Hospitals may also restrict visitors who are exhibiting signs of illness to protect patients and staff.
