Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is pleased to return to traditional visiting hours for visitors to see their loved ones during their time in hospital.
Visiting times for each ward or department are clearly displayed at entrances to the wards and departments and are also available on the Ward and Departments section of the WWL website here.
Only two visitors per patient will be permitted to visit at any one time in Adult In-patient areas and visitors are asked to wash their hands, use the hand sanitiser provided on entering and leaving the ward, and to continue to wear face masks throughout the duration of the visit.
Children under the age of 16 years will not be permitted to visit wards unless accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times.
For outpatient appointments and for those attending WWL’s Emergency Department, only one adult may accompany at any one-time. This also applies to any child under the age of 16, however, additional attendees will be allowed following risk assessment and the department leader’s discretion.
In circumstances where End of Life care is being provided, or where the patient has individualised care needs, the Ward Leader or Nurse in Charge will use their discretion with visitor requests.
Further information about visiting guidelines and extenuating circumstances can be found below.
Alternative arrangements to traditional times can be arranged with the ward Leader/nurse in charge at their discretion.
Restrictions to visiting may be put in place at any time based upon the guidance and recommendations of the Infection Prevention and Control Team following national, regional, local and Public Health England visiting guidance.
To help Trust staff, minimise the risks of healthcare associated infections visitors are asked not to attend if: -
- They are feeling unwell, including experiencing symptoms such as a persistent dry cough
- They or any close family member or contact have flu like symptoms.
- They are currently or have suffered with diarrhoea and or vomiting in the past 48 hours.
- They have been in contact with anyone with flu like symptoms within the past 72 hours
- They have an existing medical condition that puts them at risk of infection, for example, those who are immunocompromised because of a condition or treatment
Exceptional Circumstances
The Ward Leader /nurse in charge will use their discretion when there are requests to visit patients during certain situations: -
- End of Life care
- Patient has individualised care needs e.g., cognitive impairment, learning disability
- Where visitors have travelled long distances
- Where communication cannot be maintained via a telephone for example in the event of hearing impairment where text or specially adopted phones are not possible
- Where the patient has an informal carer at home and wishes for that support to continue within the hospital setting
- Any circumstances that require special consideration
- Where Interpreters are required to assist with a patient’s communication needs