Visiting a patient
We welcome visitors to all our hospitals. To find out specific visiting times, please check with the hospital ward. Contact details can be found on hospital pages.
What do I need to know when visiting a patient?
What do I need to know when visiting a patient?
Please report to the nurse or midwives station on the ward. We ask that inly two visitors are at the bedside at one time.
Exceptions may be made, so please speak to the nurse or midwife in charge for: patients receiving end-of-life care, patients with learning disabilities or complex needs, and critically ill patients.
Remember:
- Prevent infection by using hand sanitser when you arrive and leave the ward, and stay home if you have had any cold, flu, or vomiting and diarrhoea in the past 48 hours.
- We protect mealtimes, but we welcome relatives and carers to help patients eat their meals. Please ask staff before giving food and drink to a patient. We also support rest and pastoral care, and our chaplains can visit a patient at any time.
- Please do not take photos or videos of anybody without their consent.
FAQs: visiting a patient
Can I visit if I’m a parent, carer, or support person?
Outpatients
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You’re welcome to bring a relative, friend or advocate to your appointment
Children and young people
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Parents, carers, siblings, and close friends are encouraged to visit
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A resident parent or carer is welcome to stay overnight
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Visiting needs (including how many visitors, and overnight stays) will be agreed based on the child’s best interests
Maternity
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One birthing partner can attend all ultrasound appointments
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Two birth partners can attend the birth
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A resident companion is welcome to stay during inpatient maternity care
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Outpatient maternity areas may be limited to one support person
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Overnight stays for birth partners are welcome where local guidance allows
Can I visit a specialist unit?
Some areas like Intensive Care (ICU) or Neonatal Units have extra guidelines.
Please speak to the nurse in charge about visiting in these areas.
If you’re unsure about anything, call ahead or ask the ward team. We’re here to help.
What facilities are available at the hospital?
Please visit the invidivual hospital pages for more information on facilities: St Bartholomew's, Whipps Cross, The Royal London, Newham, and Mile End hospitals.