Noble's Hospital

Smoke Free DHSC Policy

The Department of Health and Social Care will launch their new smoke free policy starting 2021. All Island Hospital sites will be Proud to Be Smoke Free.
As of 1st April 2021 Smoking will no longer be permitted anywhere on the grounds of any Isle of Man Hospital.

For further information, advice regarding temporary abstinence from smoking whilst on DHSC premises or Specialist advice regarding quitting smoking please contact the Quit4You service by calling +44 1624 642404 or email quit4you@gov.im

Quicklinks

• Visiting policy
• Patients due to undergo a surgical or diagnostic procedure in hospital
• Ambulance Transfer
• Emergency Department
• Outpatient Areas and Day Case Areas
• Obstetric & Gynaecology Appointments
• Oncology Day Unit
• Inpatient Wards
• Children's Ward (Ward 3)
• Jane Crookall Maternity Unit (Ward 10)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Manannan Court
• Mortuary Department
• Personal Protective Equipment for all Visitors
• Ward information

Hospitals Visiting Policy

We want to enable visiting as we believe it helps people recover and recognise that friends and family members are a vital support to patients.

However the utmost care and consideration must be given to the safety of other patients, visitors and staff by maintaining infection prevention and control procedures at all times. However due to the current level of community spread of Covid-19 within the Isle of Man, both Noble's and Ramsey and District Cottage Hospitals have visiting precautions in order to protect vulnerable patients receiving treatment.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation over recent months as we have worked to protect the vulnerable people in our care from potential exposure to COVID–19.

Religious and spiritual support is available for patients, either face-to-face or by telephone.

 

Patients due to undergo a surgical or diagnostic procedure in hospital

Manx Care has removed the requirement for those who are due to undergo a surgical or diagnostic procedure in hospital to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test then isolate for three days until admission.

Instead, we now request that patients due for admission for a surgical or diagnostic procedure (i.e. endoscopy) undertake a Lateral Flow Test on the day of the procedure – if positive, they must not attend the hospital, and should instead telephone the relevant ward/department to inform the team that they will not be able to attend. Those who test positive via a Lateral Flow Test should also contact 111 to request a PCR test (or visit the Testing and Results page on the COVID website to request a test online).

Some procedures may however still require a PCR test to be undertaken; however patients will be informed by the Preoperative Assessment Clinic Service if this applies to them.

We also ask patients not to attend for their procedure and to notify the ward/department if:

• They are showing any symptoms relating to COVID-19
  
  
• They have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days, including those identified as a high risk, low risk or close contact by 111 within the previous 10 days

Ambulance Transfer

Escorts for patients arriving by Ambulance will be limited to one essential person.  Additional family members or friends wishing to travel to the hospital in their own transport should note that they will not be permitted to enter the Emergency Department as detailed below.

Emergency Department

1. No visitors are permitted in adult Emergency Department areas. However, based on the clinical team’s judgment, other visitors/escorts may be permitted in exceptional circumstances
   
   
2. One parent/escort per child will be permitted for the duration of the child’s stay in the Emergency Department
   
   
3. A clinical decision must be made for any patient who requires additional assistance

Outpatient Areas and Day Case Areas

Some of our Outpatient clinics and procedures/treatments in day case areas are operating as normal – however, some are operating in a virtual capacity.

1. All patients to attend outpatient clinics or day case areas alone unless under exceptional circumstances
   
   
2. All patients to wait in their cars until five minutes before their appointments
   
   
3. One parent/escort per child will be permitted for the duration of the child’s stay in the Outpatient area
   
   
4. A clinical decision must be made for any patient who requires additional assistance
   
   
5. Any visitor who is coughing or shows other signs of illness will be asked to leave
   
   
6. Any visitor who answers yes on the COVID-19 patient level assessment on arrival to outpatients and community clinics in health and social care settings will not be permitted to enter the Outpatient Areas or Day Case Areas, unless their appointment is deemed urgent or an emergency.

1. Staff at the clinics will assess patients prior to them entering the waiting rooms using the COVID-19 patient level assessment on arrival to outpatients and community clinics in health and social care settings.

However, if it is deemed that you are unwell or have not completed the form in full, you will not be permitted to enter.

Obstetric & Gynaecology Appointments

Patients are permitted to bring 1 person to accompany them to all antenatal appointments, ultrasound scans and early pregnancy assessments.

Patients are permitted to bring 1 person to accompany them in exceptional circumstances for gynaecology appointments.

Any visitor who answers yes on the COVID-19 patient level assessment on arrival to outpatients and community clinics in health and social care settings will not be permitted to enter the Outpatient Areas or Day Case Areas, unless their appointment is deemed urgent or an emergency.

Staff at the clinics will assess patients prior to them entering the waiting rooms using the COVID-19 patient level assessment on arrival to outpatients and community clinics in health and social care settings.

However, if it is deemed that you are unwell or have not completed the form in full, you will not be permitted to enter.

Oncology Day Unit

To protect our vulnerable patients whilst they undergo Oncology treatment, visitors are restricted from attending the Oncology Day Unit, except in exceptional circumstances.

Inpatient Wards

For all wards except Ward 7 Children's Ward, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit:

1. A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward.
   
   
2. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily.
   
   
3. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends
   
   
4. There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge.
   
   
5. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place.

All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.

Ward 7

To maintain a full rehabilitation programme for stroke patients admitted to Ward 7, visiting will be:

• A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward.
  
  
• from 13:00 to 20:00 – and only for next of kin or those who will be involved in the future direct care and support of the person affected by stroke (nb this will only apply whilst a patient is on Ward 7).
  
  
• For all other visitors - visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily.
  
  
• ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends
  
  
• There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge.
  
  
• Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. 

All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.

Children’s Ward (Ward 3)

1. Two parents can visit at any time
   
   
2. Maximum of another two visitors at any one time in addition to the parents between 15:00 and 19:00.
   
   
3. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends. 

All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.

Jane Crookall Maternity Unit (Ward 10)

1. A maximum of 2 visitors (including birthing partners) per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward.
   
   
2. Partners are permitted between 10:00 and 20:00
   
   
3. Two birthing partners can accompany an expectant mum once she has transferred to the delivery suite and stay with her until her baby is born. Prior to this, only one support person is permitted to stay on the ward area
   
   
4. If an expectant mum is having an elective caesarean section, because these are planned for during the day, the birthing partner can stay with her from the time they are admitted until the end of visiting time for birth partners (10:00 – 20:00)
   
   
5. Birth partners are permitted onto the maternity unit between 10:00 and 20:00 each day to enable them to spend time with their partner and new baby following the birth. They are requested to remain at their partner's bedside and not walk around or go on and off the unit
   
   
6. Siblings can also visit following prior arrangement with the Lead Midwife for one hour per day
   
   
7. All other visitors are only able to visit between 14:00 and 16:00  - subject to the maximum of 2 visitors (including birthing partners) at any one time being allowed on the ward.
   
   
8. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends. 

Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Midwife in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. 

All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

1. Two ‘essential visitors’only per baby will be permitted on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). No restrictions on frequency or duration for these two visitors, but times with be arranged in consultation with the nurse in charge of the shift prior to visits
   
   
2. No siblings can visit.
   
   
3. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends. 

All visitors must wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.

Manannan Court

1. Visiting will be typically be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 daily; however, there may be some variation to this influenced by the individual need of the patient or visitor
   
   
2. Two visitors per patient  will be permitted
   
   
3. ALL VISITORS must report to the reception area prior to visiting their relatives/friends. 

Mortuary Department

Two 'essential visitors' will be permitted to the viewing facility within the Mortuary Department at Noble’s Hospital.

Mortuary viewing appointments to be arranged in accordance with the following process:

• Please contact the Relatives Support Service (RSS) on +44 1624 650615. RSS typically operates between the hours of 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
  
  
• An appointment will be made for a mutually convenient time
  
  
• Viewing appointments will usually be arranged for Monday to Friday afternoons
  
  
• The RSS staff will meet the visitor(s) in the main reception area of Noble’s Hospital
  
  
• If requirements are met, a designated time will be agreed for the visit. The visitor(s) will need to bring a recognised form of photographic identification with them such as a passport or driving licence 

Personal Protective Equipment for all Visitors

• All visitors are required to sanitise their hands on entry and exit to both hospitals, and again when entering and leaving wards
  
  
• All visitors need to must wear a medical grade mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in the hospitals. Visitors will not be permitted to wear their own mask
  
  
• If visitors require PPE, staff from the ward being visited will make sure they are shown how to correctly wear this (to include eye protection, gloves, IIR mask and apron) and will support them in making sure this has been put on correctly
  
  
• All visitors are to be reminded to practice good hand hygiene and wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use the hand sanitiser provided on entry and exit to the area.

If an individual meets any of the above criteria, they will only be allowed to visit their relative if they are deemed to be imminent end of life, and with prior approval.

Where visits are approved, the arrangements for each patient and their relatives will be agreed on a case by case basis to reflect the individual circumstances of the situation. The relative should contact the relevant ward to advise the nurse in charge of their planned arrival on Island.

1. The hospitals will allow and facilitate each relative one visit to allow them to see the patient. The time duration of visits will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse and Senior Sister for the Ward area
   
   
2. Visits to patients who are imminent end of life can take place even whilst an individual is waiting for the results of their COVID-19 swab
   
   
3. Only one person must visit their relative at their bedside at any one time. All other visitors must wait in a location as directed by ward staff. Visitors who are isolating must not visit at the same time as other visitors

Visitors must be advised that the following will be discussed and agreed by the Director of Operations (or in their absence another member of the Executive Leadership Team) in consultation with the relevant Senior Nurse and Senior Sister for the Ward area:

• Number, frequency and duration of any further visits
• Time and where visits will take place within a ward area

Prior to arriving, relatives will be asked to make sure they are wearing an IIR facemask on entering hospital premises. The relative must be met at the Main Entrance by a member of the ward staff. The relative will then be escorted to the ward by the staff member (who will also be wearing an IIR facemask).

Before entering their relative’s room, staff from the ward will make sure that all relatives have been shown how to correctly wear this (to include eye protection, gloves, IIR mask and apron) and will support them in making sure this has been put on correctly

Relatives should be clear they should not remove their PPE whilst in the room AT ANY TIME.

Once the visit is over, ward staff must escort the visitor(s) out to the Main Entrance. Visitors should be advised not to go to any other departments or locations within the hospital after visiting.

Any subsequent amendments to the original agreed arrangements must be approved by the Site Manager/relevant Senior Nurse in consultation with the Senior Sister for the Ward area.

Nobles Hospital floor plan

Ward information

If you do not know which Ward a friend or relative is on, please ring the hospital switchboard.

Ward	Visiting Arrangements
Ward 1 – Acute Medical Assessment ward +44 1624 650021	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 2 – Surgical Ward +44 1624 650022	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 3 - Children's Ward +44 1624 650023	Two parents can visit at any time Maximum of another two visitors at any one time in addition to the parents between 15:00 and 19:00. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends.  All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 4 - Female / Gynaecology Ward +44 1624 650024	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 6 - Acute Medical Ward +44 1624 650026	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 7 - Stroke and TIA +44 1624 650027	To maintain a full rehabilitation programme for stroke patients admitted to Ward 7, visiting will be: A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. from 13:00 to 20:00 – and only for next of kin or those who will be involved in the future direct care and support of the person affected by stroke (nb this will only apply whilst a patient is on Ward 7). For all other visitors - visiting will be restrictedto between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily.  ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Oncology +44 1624 650025	To protect our vulnerable patients whilst they undergo Oncology treatments, visitors are restricted from attending the Oncology Day Unit, except in exceptional circumstances
Ward 8 - Surgical Ward +44 1624 650028	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 9 - Acute Medical Ward +44 1624 650029	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 10 - Jane Crookall Maternity Unit +44 1624 650030	A maximum of 2 visitors (including birthing partners) per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Partners are permitted between 10:00 and 20:00 Two birthing partners can accompany an expectant mum once she has transferred to the delivery suite and stay with her until her baby is born. Prior to this, only one support person is permitted to stay on the ward area If an expectant mum is having an elective caesarean section, because these are planned for during the day, the birthing partner can stay with her from the time they are admitted until the end of visiting time for birth partners (10:00 – 20:00) Birth partners are permitted onto the maternity unit between 10:00 and 20:00 each day to enable them to spend time with their partner and new baby following the birth. They are requested to remain at their partner's bedside and not walk around or go on and off the unit Siblings can also visit following prior arrangement with the Lead Midwife for one hour per day All other visitors are only able to visit between 14:00 and 16:00  - subject to the maximum of 2 visitors (including birthing partners) at any one time being allowed on the ward. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends.  All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 11 - Trauma & Orthopaedics +44 1624 650031	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place.
Ward 12 - COVID Ward +44 1624 650032	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 16 - Neonatal +44 1624 650035	Two ‘essential visitors’only per baby will be permitted on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). No restrictions on frequency or duration for these two visitors, but times with be arranged in consultation with the nurse in charge of the shift prior to visits No siblings can visit. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends.  All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 17 - Intensive Care Unit +44 1624 650036	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.
Ward 18 - Coronary Care Unit +44 (0) 1624 650037	A maximum of 2 visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time on the Ward. Visiting will be restricted to between the hours of 14:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00 daily. ALL VISITORS must report to the nurse’s station prior to visiting their relatives/friends There should be no more than one visitor around a bed at any one time, although additional visitors may be accommodated at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. Visiting out of restricted visiting times will be at the discretion of the Senior Nurse/Site Manager in consultation with the Nurse in charge of the shift prior to visiting taking place. All visitors need to wear a IIR fluid resistant face mask supplied by Manx Care at all times in hospital – these should not be removed in any circumstances whilst in the hospital premises.