If your visitors need to visit outside of these times, please ask the ward sister or nurse in charge. Where possible, they will accommodate such requests; however our patients’ needs are the most important and at times this may not be possible.

As each ward will have ill patients we ask that visitors are kept to two per bed and that the noise level is minimal.

Visiting times for the maternity unit

Delivery suite

2 birth support partners only - NO VISITING

Maternity ward (from 1 June 2011)

9am – 12 pm: one adult per patient (no swapping)
4pm – 7pm: two visitors (including the partner) per patient

Children of the patient on the ward may visit during this period

Maximum visitors per bed: one adult and two children of the patient on the ward.

Children under 16 cannot visit unless they are the brother or sister of the new baby

Restrictions to the numbers of visitors apply to minimise the risk of infection and ensure the health and safety of mothers and their newborn babies

No flowers please.

Please check with the neonatal unit (SCBU), Starlight and the intensive care unit for visiting times as these differ from the general wards.

Young children can become easily bored in hospital and unfortunately we cannot provide children’s facilities on every ward. Children can also be vulnerable to picking up infections. We ask that only your immediate family bring in babies or young children to visit.

Flowers on the ward

You are welcome to have dried flowers on the ward but we do not allow fresh flowers or potted plants in the hospital as they can be hazardous to both patients and staff, especially if there is electrical equipment around. Flowers can also be a source of infection if left in stale water.