Visiting times should be displayed at the entrance to the clinical area.
The visiting schedule offers flexibility for relatives and patients. It is of importance to explain clearly that visiting is open between the set hours and that there is no obligation to stay for the full duration of the visiting time. However, person–centred health care recognises the important role caregivers and families / friends play in the lives of patients and staff should discuss with family / friends and caregivers the role they would like to play in helping to provide care to their relative while in the hospital. Some may see hospitalisation as a respite of sorts from their daily responsibilities, while others want to retain an active role.
Staff should inform both patients and their relatives that where possible healthcare staff will work around the visiting time to optimise the flexibility. However, when this is not possible and patients require care, treatments or examinations during visiting time, which may interrupt their visiting, visitors should be advised of this beforehand where possible. Visitors should also be informed that during visiting times, they may be asked to leave the room or ward if staff need to attend to the patient.
Staff should also inform visitors that in order to maintain patient confidentiality visitors will also be asked to leave during medical ward rounds. There may also be times where patients are required to leave the ward to go for tests or scans. Staff should advise visitors that where possible they will be given notice of this, however there may be occasion when visitors attend, and patients are not on the ward.
Information about canteens/cafeterias should be made available for visitors to minimise any inconvenience if they have to wait a while before being able to return to the ward.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
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