Noble's Hospital

Visiting Policy

Whilst we recognise that friends and family members are a vital support, the health and safety of our patients, residents, staff, and our communities are a top priority. Therefore, in line with the latest guidelines related to COVID-19, we have revised our visiting policy.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we ask the public to consider other ways of keeping in touch with their loved ones such as phone calls, text messages, social media etc. Please note: Care must be taken during any social media interaction not to breach the confidentiality of any other patients in the vicinity. Any shared media footage e.g. photographs, videos or Face Time must not include other patients and should only include staff if they have given their consent.

During the COVID-19 situation visitors to Noble’s and Ramsey Hospitals will be severely restricted and will be in exceptional circumstances only as detailed below

Where permitted and in exceptional circumstances only, following assessment and agreement from the clinical team, this will be for ‘essential visitors’ only. An ‘essential visitor’ is deemed to be an individual who is designated next of kin, in a vital support role for the patient or who is legally responsible for making health care decisions on their behalf. If this person meets the criteria for exclusion as per the Visitor Registration form, he/she must not come to the hospital to visit. All communications will be by telephone. Do not visit someone in hospital if you are vulnerable due to your own chronic health conditions or are over 70 years of age.

Religious and spiritual support is available for patients but this will be provided via telephone only.

Visitors who are sick or showing any symptoms related to COVID 19 will not be permitted to enter the Hospital; this is without exception.

All visitors must complete a registration form and health declaration. They must consent for their information to be retained by the DHSC for the purposes of containing the spread of COVID-19.

Ambulance Transfer

At this time, escorts for patients arriving by Ambulance will be limited to one essential person. However, any escort who meets the criteria for exclusion as per the Visitor Registration form will not be permitted to travel with the patient or enter the Emergency Department. 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

• At this time, no visitors or escorts are permitted in adult Emergency Department areas. However, based on the clinical team’s judgment, one essential visitor/escort may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
• One essential visitor/escort only per child will be permitted for the duration of the child’s stay in the Emergency Department.
• A clinical decision must be made for any patient who requires additional assistance.

Outpatient Areas

At this time, all Outpatient clinics are triaged, and only essential appointments will go ahead

• One person is permitted to accompany each patient to an appointment for support.
• Any visitor who is coughing or shows other signs of illness will be asked to kindly leave

Inpatient Wards

• At this time, no visitors are permitted for adult patients on COVID wards.
• One ‘essential visitor’ may be permitted in exceptional circumstances only for patients on non-COVID wards
• One ‘essential visitor’ only per child will be permitted on the paediatric ward and will be required to stay with their child from admission to discharge. No siblings can visit.
• Two ‘essential visitors’ only per baby will be permitted on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both parents may visit for a block period each day; multiple daily visits are not permitted. No siblings can visit.
• At this time, no visitors are permitted in either the antenatal (before birth) or postnatal (following birth) periods. One birthing partner is permitted for the period of labour only and will be required to leave once the baby is born. We understand that this will be difficult for our patients and their loved ones, but we believe that this is a necessary step to promote the safety of our new mothers and children.

How to arrange your visit

Communication with the staff looking after the patient you will be visiting is likely to already be established as you will be ringing for updates on their condition. However, you may also receive an unprompted call from the ward/department staff.

Once the clinical team have given permission for you to visit, you will be asked screening questions about your health in relation to COVID-19. If you meet the requirements a designated time will be agreed for you to visit. You will need to bring a recognised form of photographic identification with you such as a passport or driving licence.

On arrival at the main hospital entrance you will be required to complete a registration form before entering the hospital. However, if it is deemed that you are unwell or have not completed the form in full you will not be permitted to enter the hospital.

Visitors may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are respectfully reminded to practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser regularly.

Noble's Hospital floor plan

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