You’ve just had an operation, or a baby, or you’re in hospital and haven’t yet had a diagnosis. You’ve lots of family and friends concerned about you and they want to visit, but is that a good idea? Are they doing things they shouldn’t do? Do their visits aid your recovery or wear you out?
Abiding by visiting guidelines is important, says Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients Association.
“I think the days of Carry On-like gangs of visitors coming in with bunches of grapes are gone. Privacy and dignity are key aspects, particularly where there are a number of patients on the same ward.
“Visitors should also be mindful that doctors and health professionals are trying to do their job and may be with a patient in the next cubicle.”
Respecting visiting times is also important, he says.
“People in hospital are trying to rest, so keep to the visiting hours. Visiting is a very important part of patients’ experience. People dropping in to see patients is important because it can help them with their recovery by being there for them in a time of need, so to speak. Also, if a visitor notices that things aren’t right for the patient they can be an advocate for him or her, engaging with the ward sister to raise any concerns they might have.”
Visitors have responsibilities though. Remembering to clean their hands is one.
“Hand hygiene is critical. Using the various hand washes and disinfectants ensures that patients and visitors are protected from any hospital-acquired infections. Infection is a huge challenge in a hospital, not only MRSA, but other infections also. We have to ensure that all is done to prevent them.”
Bringing in food is something you should ask for guidance about too.
“You should ask beforehand if it is okay to do so, just so that it doesn’t adversely affect the patient or add to the hospital’s hygiene issues.”
Pacing visits is important, he says.
“Everyone shouldn’t descend at the one time. Patients can feel drained trying to keep track of the number of conversations around the bed. I’ve seen that happen. Visitors should be mindful of that. There should be some kind of planned rota.”
VISITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Yes, hospital visitors have responsibilities, according to the National Hospitals Office. While visiting time is regarded as an important part of the patient’s day, the welfare of the patient must always be taken into consideration. All hospitals have their own policies developed from these guidelines. The National Visiting Policy involves these Do’s and Don’ts:
DO
• Use hand hygiene facilities when entering and exiting hospital wards.• Consider other patients’ needs for rest and privacy. Remember that while most patients welcome visitors, they have the right to decline them.• Have consideration for staff doing their job.• Be polite, courteous and comply with any request to leave the patient’s room, to facilitate care.• Observe confidentiality – you may see or hear things of a private and confidential nature.• Stay away if you feel unwell yourself or might be an infection risk.• Help keep our hospital clean and inform staff of cleaning concerns.• Ensure any visiting children are well behaved and are never left on a ward unaccompanied.• Comply with isolation policies and signage, especially if visiting several patients. When visiting an isolated patient, this patient should be the last person visited rather than the first, due to the possible spread of infection.DON’T:
• Don’t touch dressings, drips, catheters, etc.• Don’t sit/lie on beds as this can spread germs. • Don’t bring in food/beverages for patients without consultation.• Don’t visit while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.• Don’t bring such substances in for patients.We had a look at what hospital visiting etiquette or codes of conduct were around the country, based on hospital websites instructions. Here is a handy Q&A reminder based on this information:
Should I ask permission before I visit?
It’s a good idea. Many patients like having visitors, but some just don’t feel up to it.
Hygiene – what should I do?
You should disinfect your hands using the available alcohol gel as you enter the hospital and when you go in and out of wards. In the ward/room wash your hands and use the alcohol gel before you touch or hand the patient anything. If you touch your mobile phone or the TV remote control or the bed linen, for example, wash your hands again. Germs can live on surfaces for days.
How long can I visit for?
The consensus across all the hospitals looked at was 20 minutes. Patients tire easily. Remember it’s the fact that you went to the trouble of calling in that patients appreciate. Staying too long can tire them.
How many visitors are allowed at a time?
Two is the maximum number allowed.
Can I visit at mealtimes?
No, unless you are helping to feed a patient (by arrangement).
Is it okay to bring flowers to patients?
Flowers aren’t allowed at all in most hospitals for infection control reasons (harmful bacteria can grow in the water) and are always banned in critical care areas, ie coronary care, intensive care and in isolation rooms/wards.
Can I bring food items in for patients?
Non-hospital cooked food and high-risk perishable food isn’t allowed, so forget the takeaways and cream cakes. In exceptional circumstances, certain items might be allowed by the nurse in charge. Remember that patients may be fasting or on a restricted diet.
When should I not visit?
Stay away if you have a cold or sore throat, tummy bug or diarrhoea, or illnesses like chicken pox or shingles – common sense. The patient has enough problems.
Can I be asked to leave?
Yes, if there are too many visitors round a bed.
When should I telephone the patient?
Check with family when is a good time to call the person and if they’re up to it.
What’s the rule about mobile phone usage for visitors?
Mobile phones can cause electromagnetic interference which can affect monitors in hospitals, so they are prohibited in areas where these monitors are. Watch out for signs on walls.
May I take photographs or video?
Be very careful here. No is the answer from most hospitals.
Beaumont, for example, says that permission to do this in clinical areas is needed from the CEO’s office.
This includes photographs and videos taken with camera phones.
Can a patient refuse visitors?
Yes.
What do I do if I am visiting a person in an isolation ward?
Never enter without asking staff permission. Follow the protocol – putting on the required gloves and apron.
What should I bring as a gift?
Probably best to check what the patient would like. Books or magazines, fruit or soft drinks are usually acceptable, but don’t clutter the patient’s bed area with too much stuff.
An eye mask and earplugs can be useful too as hospitals are loud.
May I bring my child with me?
Many hospitals don’t allow children under 12. In some wards you need to ask permission for children to visit and if they are allowed, they must be supervised.
Rules vary from hospital to hospital, and ward to ward. Visiting children are at risk of bringing in infection or picking up infections.
Parking availability and charges?
Check out the hospital website before you go for rates.
Often listed under ‘visitor or patient information’. www.parkopaedia.ie can be useful too, for locations and charges near hospitals. Most hospital car parks charge, so beware of being clamped.
What if my family member is very ill?
Where a patient is very ill, family can request extended visiting rights. Ask the CNM – Clinical Nurse Manager (called a ward sister in the past). Weekly parking tickets are available in all hospitals in this situation.
May I listen in on doctor’s conversations with the patient?
A patient’s treatment or conversation with their medical team is private and confidential. You should leave unless you are asked to stay.
What toilet should I use if I am visiting a hospital?
Use the specially designated visitors’ toilet. This is to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Anything special I should look out for?
Occasionally, people die when in hospital and staff now have a special spiral sign (purple on white) displayed on the door of the ward to alert visitors to this. If you see it, remember there may be grieving relatives close by, so moderate your behaviour accordingly.
You’ve just had an operation, or a baby, or you’re in hospital and haven’t yet had a diagnosis. You’ve lots of family and friends concerned about you and they want to visit, but is that a good idea? Are they doing things they shouldn’t do? Do their visits aid your recovery or wear you out?
Abiding by visiting guidelines is important, says Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients Association.
“I think the days of Carry On-like gangs of visitors coming in with bunches of grapes are gone. Privacy and dignity are key aspects, particularly where there are a number of patients on the same ward.
“Visitors should also be mindful that doctors and health professionals are trying to do their job and may be with a patient in the next cubicle.”
Respecting visiting times is also important, he says.
“People in hospital are trying to rest, so keep to the visiting hours. Visiting is a very important part of patients’ experience. People dropping in to see patients is important because it can help them with their recovery by being there for them in a time of need, so to speak. Also, if a visitor notices that things aren’t right for the patient they can be an advocate for him or her, engaging with the ward sister to raise any concerns they might have.”
Visitors have responsibilities though. Remembering to clean their hands is one.
“Hand hygiene is critical. Using the various hand washes and disinfectants ensures that patients and visitors are protected from any hospital-acquired infections. Infection is a huge challenge in a hospital, not only MRSA, but other infections also. We have to ensure that all is done to prevent them.”
Bringing in food is something you should ask for guidance about too.
“You should ask beforehand if it is okay to do so, just so that it doesn’t adversely affect the patient or add to the hospital’s hygiene issues.”
Pacing visits is important, he says.
“Everyone shouldn’t descend at the one time. Patients can feel drained trying to keep track of the number of conversations around the bed. I’ve seen that happen. Visitors should be mindful of that. There should be some kind of planned rota.”
VISITORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Yes, hospital visitors have responsibilities, according to the National Hospitals Office. While visiting time is regarded as an important part of the patient’s day, the welfare of the patient must always be taken into consideration. All hospitals have their own policies developed from these guidelines. The National Visiting Policy involves these Do’s and Don’ts:
DO
• Use hand hygiene facilities when entering and exiting hospital wards.• Consider other patients’ needs for rest and privacy. Remember that while most patients welcome visitors, they have the right to decline them.• Have consideration for staff doing their job.• Be polite, courteous and comply with any request to leave the patient’s room, to facilitate care.• Observe confidentiality – you may see or hear things of a private and confidential nature.• Stay away if you feel unwell yourself or might be an infection risk.• Help keep our hospital clean and inform staff of cleaning concerns.• Ensure any visiting children are well behaved and are never left on a ward unaccompanied.• Comply with isolation policies and signage, especially if visiting several patients. When visiting an isolated patient, this patient should be the last person visited rather than the first, due to the possible spread of infection.DON’T:
• Don’t touch dressings, drips, catheters, etc.• Don’t sit/lie on beds as this can spread germs. • Don’t bring in food/beverages for patients without consultation.• Don’t visit while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.• Don’t bring such substances in for patients.We had a look at what hospital visiting etiquette or codes of conduct were around the country, based on hospital websites instructions. Here is a handy Q&A reminder based on this information:
Should I ask permission before I visit?
It’s a good idea. Many patients like having visitors, but some just don’t feel up to it.
Hygiene – what should I do?
You should disinfect your hands using the available alcohol gel as you enter the hospital and when you go in and out of wards. In the ward/room wash your hands and use the alcohol gel before you touch or hand the patient anything. If you touch your mobile phone or the TV remote control or the bed linen, for example, wash your hands again. Germs can live on surfaces for days.
How long can I visit for?
The consensus across all the hospitals looked at was 20 minutes. Patients tire easily. Remember it’s the fact that you went to the trouble of calling in that patients appreciate. Staying too long can tire them.
How many visitors are allowed at a time?
Two is the maximum number allowed.
Can I visit at mealtimes?
No, unless you are helping to feed a patient (by arrangement).
Is it okay to bring flowers to patients?
Flowers aren’t allowed at all in most hospitals for infection control reasons (harmful bacteria can grow in the water) and are always banned in critical care areas, ie coronary care, intensive care and in isolation rooms/wards.
Can I bring food items in for patients?
Non-hospital cooked food and high-risk perishable food isn’t allowed, so forget the takeaways and cream cakes. In exceptional circumstances, certain items might be allowed by the nurse in charge. Remember that patients may be fasting or on a restricted diet.
When should I not visit?
Stay away if you have a cold or sore throat, tummy bug or diarrhoea, or illnesses like chicken pox or shingles – common sense. The patient has enough problems.
Can I be asked to leave?
Yes, if there are too many visitors round a bed.
When should I telephone the patient?
Check with family when is a good time to call the person and if they’re up to it.
What’s the rule about mobile phone usage for visitors?
Mobile phones can cause electromagnetic interference which can affect monitors in hospitals, so they are prohibited in areas where these monitors are. Watch out for signs on walls.
May I take photographs or video?
Be very careful here. No is the answer from most hospitals.
Beaumont, for example, says that permission to do this in clinical areas is needed from the CEO’s office.
This includes photographs and videos taken with camera phones.
Can a patient refuse visitors?
Yes.
What do I do if I am visiting a person in an isolation ward?
Never enter without asking staff permission. Follow the protocol – putting on the required gloves and apron.
What should I bring as a gift?
Probably best to check what the patient would like. Books or magazines, fruit or soft drinks are usually acceptable, but don’t clutter the patient’s bed area with too much stuff.
An eye mask and earplugs can be useful too as hospitals are loud.
May I bring my child with me?
Many hospitals don’t allow children under 12. In some wards you need to ask permission for children to visit and if they are allowed, they must be supervised.
Rules vary from hospital to hospital, and ward to ward. Visiting children are at risk of bringing in infection or picking up infections.
Parking availability and charges?
Check out the hospital website before you go for rates.
Often listed under ‘visitor or patient information’. www.parkopaedia.ie can be useful too, for locations and charges near hospitals. Most hospital car parks charge, so beware of being clamped.
What if my family member is very ill?
Where a patient is very ill, family can request extended visiting rights. Ask the CNM – Clinical Nurse Manager (called a ward sister in the past). Weekly parking tickets are available in all hospitals in this situation.
May I listen in on doctor’s conversations with the patient?
A patient’s treatment or conversation with their medical team is private and confidential. You should leave unless you are asked to stay.
What toilet should I use if I am visiting a hospital?
Use the specially designated visitors’ toilet. This is to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Anything special I should look out for?
Occasionally, people die when in hospital and staff now have a special spiral sign (purple on white) displayed on the door of the ward to alert visitors to this. If you see it, remember there may be grieving relatives close by, so moderate your behaviour accordingly.
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