Updated 25 April 2025
Last week we shared that we were experiencing high levels of demand for our urgent and emergency services, as well as a significant outbreak of Norovirus that was affecting many areas of the hospital. So that we could reduce the risk of the infection spreading, we made the decision to introduce changes to our visiting restrictions that we have continued to review on a daily basis.
Thanks to the hard work of our teams and support from our patients and communities, we are now able to update our visiting guidance to allow visiting to return to normal in most of our adult care areas from tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025).
From Saturday 26 April 2025, the following guidance will be in place:
Visiting an adult inpatient: visiting will return to normal across our adult inpatient wards with the exception of A5, A6 and AMU. This is due to the number of positive cases still reported within these areas.
In A5, A6 and AMU (D1-D4), visiting will remain restricted to one designated friend or family member per patient for one hour a day. Visitors will need to continue reserving a time slot by contacting the ward directly. These restrictions will not apply under compassionate grounds for patients who are end-of-life or require additional support. This should be discussed with the Ward Manager. We will continue to evaluate this position daily.
Visiting is supported between 10am-2pm, and 5pm-8pm, seven days a week.
Attending outpatient appointments: we encourage patients to attend alone or with just one person, if possible.
Emergency Department: we continue to ask that patients attend alone or with just one person.
Children (NICU and Paediatrics)/maternity and birthing partners: no changes were introduced.
All visitors should:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Hand gel is available but does not protect against this virus which is why we are asking people to wash their hands.
- Not come into the hospital if you have symptoms of Norovirus including diarrhoea, vomiting or a high temperature. If you have had symptoms, please wait 48 hours after these have stopped before visiting.
Visiting is supported on our wards, seven days a week. Depending on the ward you are visiting, there will be different time slots in which you can visit.
You no longer need to book an appointment time before attending or show evidence of a negative lateral flow test, but please call the ward beforehand to find correct visiting times.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, loss of taste and smell, or a temperature, or diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit until you are better.
Patients can have two visitors at the bedside at one time. Compassionate visiting will remain in place for patients who are end-of-life.
Some departments such as oncology, renal, ITU and patients on elective surgical pathways have different arrangements in place as their patients are particularly vulnerable. Please contact them directly about this if you are unsure of arrangements.
- Open visitation is allowed between 14:00 – 20:00 daily.
- Any additional ward visitation (incl. mealtime support) is to be arranged with the ward directly and at the discretion of the nurse in charge
- Booking an appointment is no longer necessary, however we do ask that visitors sign in on entry to the ward.
- Please ensure you are wearing the appropriate PPE for the patient you are visiting.
If you arrive at our Emergency Department outside of an ambulance, you can be accompanied by someone to help you during the visit. They must not have any COVID-19 symptoms, flu or diarrhoea or vomiting.
Both parents and/or guardians of children can visit with no restrictions of time in place. You may be asked to wear a mask or face covering.
For the most up to date information on visiting times for our maternity wards and departments, please visit the maternity section of our website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your midwife or the midwife in-charge.
You can still use our virtual visiting services and speak to your friend or family member by video call rather than visiting. Our staff will be happy to help arrange a date and time for you through our Family Liaison Service via FLOinbox
You can email a personal message any time by emailing messagetolovedones
Each working day, PALS will print and laminate the messages received so that these can be kept clean. You can also include photographs with your message. The laminated message will then be delivered to your loved one by a team of helpful volunteers.
If a patient would like to send a reply, our Family Liaison team will be able to arrange this for them.
The volunteers from QA Hospital radio are also here to help you keep in touch.
You can request a song to play on the radio or record a personal message and send it across as an MP3 format. Personal messages are to be sent by 12pm, which will then be played on the radio between 6pm and 7pm.
To contact the team, please email studio
All patients have access to TV and radio units by their bedside, but more information can be obtained by contacting PALS or speaking to the ward team.
