At the heart of our work are our patients, their families and carers.

We believe in working with you, to deliver the highest possible standard of care.

Our aim is to create a welcoming, home-like environment, which supports patients to regain their independence.

We support safe, respectful and compassionate and open visiting for everyone. If you have any concerns, or need additional support, please speak to a member of the ward team.

We encourage family members, carers and friends to be actively involved in supporting loved ones, particularly those with additional needs such as dementia, disabilities, or those receiving end-of-life care.

We will support patients to receive visits from people they want to see, when they want to see them, unless there are exceptional circumstances that prevent this from being possible.

Keeping everyone safe

We want you to be able to visit your loved ones safely. Sometimes we may need to put extra measures in place to protect patients, visitors and colleagues. If this happens we will:

• use the least restrictive measures possible
• explain clearly why any precautions are needed
• involve patients and their families/carers in decisions when appropriate
• make reasonable adjustments to support individual needs
• review any precautions often and remove them as soon as it is safe to do so.

Please sign in when you arrive, so we know you’re here.

Please wash your hands when you come in.

Sometimes, we may ask you to wear a mask.

If you feel unwell, please do not visit. This is particularly important if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A high temperature
• A new cough that will not go away
• Diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 24 hours.

Do not use patient toilets or bathrooms. Public toilets are available, just ask for directions.

Keeping the ward calm and comfortable

We want visiting to feel relaxed for you and your loved one.

Please keep mobile phones on silent.

At times, we may limit our numbers, but we will always explain why and we will review regularly.

Privacy and dignity

If you’d like to take a photo or video, speak to us first for permission so we can safeguard everyone’s privacy.

Patient information is private. We can only share details if the patient agrees. If you need more information, ask the Ward Matron or Nurse in Charge.

Food and meals

You’re welcome to bring food in to enjoy with your loved ones, but we can’t reheat any food for you.

You can order meals for visitors from the kitchen for a small fee. Please order by 9.30am.

Please tell us about any allergies.

Respect for our colleagues

Abuse, threats, violence or other harmful actions towards staff, patients or visitors won’t be tolerated and will be managed with warnings and sanctions.

Step back when colleagues are giving care

Sometimes, we may need a little space to give care or medicines and can’t always answer queries while carrying out duties.

We may ask visitors to step away from bedsides or patient areas when we are giving care.

If you need to speak to us, we will always make time for you, as soon as we are finished with patients.

Support their rehabilitation

Everyday activities make a really big difference to recovery and we welcome your support.

We ask that patients get up and dressed every day, so bring them some comfortable clothes and anything else you think would help, for example, their glasses or favourite shoes.

You are invited to join us during mealtimes or daily activities.

Even just helping them to walk to the day room or to the toilet can help them to feel stronger and recover faster.

If you would like to help your loved one with exercises or short periods of walking, please ask us first.