We warmly welcome all family, friends, and loved ones to visit patients. Your presence can bring comfort and joy, and we’re here to make your visit as smooth and meaningful as possible.
Our Care
Information for visitors
Who can visit and when?
Visiting is flexible and guided by the patient’s wishes. There are no set limits on time or number of visitors unless the patient requests otherwise. We will always check with the patient, or if that is not possible their next of kin, to ensure the visit is welcome.
We require all visitors to sign in for their safety.
- We support visits from anyone the patient wishes to see (even pets!).
- Weekdays (8am–5pm): Please sign in at the main reception.
- Evenings and weekends: Please use the out-of-hours entrance to the left of the building and wait to be greeted by a member of staff.
- We will always act in the best interest of the patient, so visitors may be asked to step out during personal care.
Visiting procedure:
Visitors are requested to sign in (using our electronic system) for fire safety purposes and will initially be asked to take a seat in the coffee lounge.
· Staff will then check with the patient if they would like to see the visitor. If a patient lacks capacity to decide on visitors, staff will check with the next of kin and act in the patient’s best interests.
· Once the patient’s consent is gained, the visitor will be shown to the patient.
· When the visit has ended, visitors will be requested to sign out (again for fire safety reasons).
Visiting principles:
· The hospice supports unrestricted visiting for people (or animals) the patient wishes to see. The hospice does not restrict visiting times or numbers of visitors, unless requested to do so by the patient.
· It may be appropriate for visitors to leave the room at times when staff are assisting with care needs.
· Patients cared for at the hospice are encouraged/supported to take visits outside the hospice if this is their wish.
· When attending appointments in another environment they are encouraged/supported to be accompanied by a family member, friend or advocate if they want someone with them.
Restrictions
If there is a reason for visiting precautions or restriction to be put in place, the hospice will apply the most proportionate and least restrictive option. This should be the option least likely to interfere with the person’s right to see their visitors when and how they want.
- If the visitor or the patient, you are visiting has/or is suspected to have an infectious illness (such as COVID) then visiting is still possible but may be subject to some restrictions such as a request to wear personal protective equipment or to refrain from using communal areas. Please alert the clinical team who can discuss options with you.
- Patient’s, visitors, staff and volunteers all have a right to be cared for, and to care for others, without fear of being attacked or abused. To successfully provide these services a mutual respect between all is required. In some circumstances to support safe visiting it may be necessary for staff to complete an individual risk assessment.
Food, drink and other facilities
We offer comforting food options for visitors to purchase, freshly made by the hospice catering team. Menus are available on arrival. We have a coffee machine and a vending machine for your convenience; however, due to food hygiene reasons, we are unable to reheat food brought in by visitors.
Staying the night
Each patient’s room has the option for you to stay overnight with them, just let one of our team know if this is something you wish to do. Families needing to stay close can use our on-site flat—a cosy, space with a bedroom, kitchen, living area, and accessible bathroom.
The flat, known as the Holly Bush Flat, was transformed into the space it is today thanks to a generous donation from long-standing supporter Dr John Spencer.
