Visiting restrictions
Visiting is currently restricted across our hospital sites to keep our patients and staff safe.
Carefully considered visiting policies remain in place and are frequently reviewed. (Last reviewed 9 November 2020)
No visitors are allowed on any of our hospital sites apart from in the following exceptional circumstances.
- The patient you wish to visit is receiving end-of-life care.
- The patient you wish to visit is in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- You are the birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour. (Further details for maternity can be found here)
- You are a parent or appropriate adult visiting your child on a paediatric ward.
- You are supporting someone with a mental health issue such as dementia, a learning disability or autism, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed. If your family member is very distressed for reasons other than the above and being present would be helpful, please do contact the nurse in charge of the ward area to discuss.
- Where a face to face visit is not practical, we also offer virtual visits and our patient email service where messages and photos can be delivered to your family member. We also have a family liaison call back service for our COVID patients to provide daily telephone updates.
Important: In these exceptional circumstances, restrictions still apply so please contact the ward or department in advance to discuss appropriate arrangements and agree the visit.
Anyone entering our hospital sites must wear a face covering or face mask to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus must not visit, even if these symptoms are mild or intermittent, due to the risk they pose to others.
All visitors must observe good hand hygiene (handwashing) to reduce the risks to the visitor, other patients and staff.
Please be aware, the national Test and Trace system is operational in waiting areas of our hospitals and visitors will be expected to check in via the app using the QR codes.
If you have any questions about our visiting restrictions, please contact our Visitor helpline on 01923 436799 or via email on westherts.visitors_line_hub@nhs.net. Lines are open 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Further information on services available for relatives and carers can be found here.
What to expect if you are permitted to visit an inpatient during the COVID-19 pandemic
- All visits will need to be arranged in advance. Prior to visiting, a member of staff will ask you about any high-risk conditions you or members of your household may have. They will ask you some questions which you can read here. Depending on your answers, you may be advised not to visit for your own safety or the safety of our staff and patients. If you are visiting a patient in the Intensive Care Unit, we will need to go through a risk assessment with you.
- A member of staff will talk to you about what to expect on your arrival at the hospital and on the ward. It is important to remember that your relative may look quite different to when you last saw them and may not be able to respond to your presence.
- If a visit is agreed, you will be given instructions on where to go and who to ask for on your arrival at the hospital. If you are unable to visit in person, please talk to the staff about arranging a virtual video visit.
- Due to new Government measures, you now MUST wear a face covering when entering any hospital site. Click here for more information on face coverings and how you can make them at home.
- Where it is possible to maintain social distancing throughout the visit, a second additional visitor could be permitted if your loved one is at the end of life – this must be discussed in advance with the ward staff.
- You should drive, or be driven, to the hospital by a member of your household if possible, to minimise the risk of exposure to others. Our car parks are currently free for patients and visitors. You should avoid the use of public transport, especially after the visit.
- Please bring as few personal belongings as possible. Bags, handbags, and electronic devices will not be permitted in order to minimise the risk of infection.
- We practise social distancing where possible in the hospital and you will be asked to adhere to this during your visit.
- You will need to remove any outer clothing, e.g. coat/jacket, roll up your sleeves and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival at the clinical area. You should avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose.
- You will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by staff and guided on and how to put on the protective equipment. This may include the wearing of a facemask which must not be touched or removed while visiting the patient. You may also be asked to wear gloves and a gown.
- Our staff will advise you on how long you will be able to stay with your loved one. When you are with your loved one you can use the call bell or talk to a member of staff if you need any assistance or when you are ready to leave.
- Please follow all instructions given by our staff carefully, they will guide you to remove and dispose of all the personal protective equipment appropriately.
- If the person you are visiting has coronavirus you will be at an increased risk of infection during the visit. You must wear the PPE as directed by staff. If PPE is worn, you do not need to self-isolate after the visit.
- If not currently self-isolating, you will not be required to self-isolate following your visit, as your risk from virus transmission will have been minimised by appropriate personal protective equipment and hand washing.
- When you arrive home, we advise that you remove and wash your clothing and take a shower or bath.
- If you have any questions following your visit you can talk to staff on the ward, one of the Family Liaison Clinicians, the Carers Lead, or staff in the Palliative Care Team, Chaplaincy Team or Bereavement Office.
