Patients are allowed two visitors at any one time between the times of 11.30am – 8pm.

Visitors MUST confirm their visit with the ward beforehand, as visiting arrangements can differ depending on the ward and are kept under constant review in line with national guidelines. See our Ward Directory for contact information.

Visitors can stay with the patient for longer than one hour, and leave and return within the visiting times if they wish to (mealtimes remains protected).

Children and young people under 16 are permitted to visit with an adult visitor. Young people over 16 will be treated as an adult visitor.

There will continue to be additional flexibility and support for compassionate visiting (special circumstances) and for those patients with specific needs. There are also separate visiting arrangements for Children’s Wards and Maternity which are all detailed below.

Please DO NOT attend our hospitals if you are COVID-19 positive or feel unwell.

Please be aware that visitors may be asked to leave the patient’s bedside temporarily whilst clinical duties and handovers are undertaken.

Full details on compassionate visiting, visiting our Emergency Department, Children’s Ward, Maternity, and other speciality areas can be found here.

Protected Mealtimes

A protected mealtime is an important part of your care and treatment. The way the food looks tastes and smells are important to help patients eat well. It also helps for the ward to be nice and calm and quiet. Patients who need extra help with their meals will be served on a red tray. Staff will still be able to carry out all urgent care needs during this time.

What is a Protected Mealtime?
A protected mealtime is time over breakfast, lunch and supper when the ward will be quieter. Staff will be able to serve food without interruption and give help to patients who may need it. This is so patients can enjoy their food.

What can relatives or visitors do to help?
If you help or encourage your relative or friend to eat, we are happy for you to do this. Please ask the nurse in charge how you can help.
Unless it is essential, we ask that you do not visit during protected mealtimes. If possible, please try not to phone the ward during these times. This is so staff can have time to help patients with their meals.

The protected mealtimes for each ward can be found below: