Hospital visiting

Visiting during an infectious outbreak

During an infectious outbreak, visiting is not permitted.

The exceptions to this rule are:

• a patient is near to or at the end of life
• there are exceptional circumstances (as decided by the clinical team)
• the visitor is a carer (any area) or parent or guardian (paediatrics only)

Regular visiting rules apply to most infections, the ward team can contact the infection control team for advice if they are unsure.

Visiting when there is norovirus or a respiratory virus in a ward

There is an exception for norovirus and respiratory viruses.

Norovirus

No visiting is permitted. This includes when the patient is isolated.

The exceptions to this rule are:

• a patient is near to or at the end of life
• there are exceptional circumstances (as decided by the clinical team)
• the visitor is a carer
• the visitor is a parent or guardian (paediatrics only)

Respiratory viruses

Patients can have 2 named visitors, there is no time limit to the visit.

The exceptions to this rule are:

• a patient is near to or at the end of life
• there are exceptional circumstances (as decided by the clinical team)
• the visitor is a carer
• the visitor is a parent or guardian (paediatrics only)

If you are in a clinically extremely vulnerable group, we recommend you do not visit until the person no longer requires isolation.

If you (the visitor) develop symptoms of an infectious illness (diarrhoea or vomiting), you must postpone your visit until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. If you have a respiratory virus, read the latest respiratory infection guidance.

Visitors are expected to follow local personal protective equipment (PPE) rules. Advice and supplies will be provided by the clinical area. If a visitor refuses to wear PPE, they may be asked to leave. If visiting a patient with a respiratory virus, you will not be able to visit any other patients.

End of life care

Being near to or at the end of life does not mean that a patient has formally progressed to the end-of-life care plan or the blue book. This is a decision made by the clinical team.