The importance of support from family members and loved ones for people in hospital cannot be overstated, bringing comfort to both the person in hospital and their family. We welcome, encourage and support people to stay connected to those who matter most in their lives, while they are in hospital. We know that this support has a positive effect on nutrition, healing, recovery and overall quality of care.
In line with NHS Scotland Hospital Visiting Guidance, a person centred approach to visiting is in place across all NHSGGC sites. This page provides information about person centred visiting arrangements, guidance and safety measures everyone needs to follow.
What is Person centred visiting?
Supporting people in hospital to involve their family or carers as much as they would like is an important principle of person-centred visiting. This recognises the beneficial effect of a family member or carer participating in some elements of personal care and support, such as at mealtimes or with personal hygiene, etc.
Person centred visiting core principles
Person Centred Visiting means we will work together with patients, family members and staff so that care is in line with the following core principles:
- We welcome and encourage the involvement of the people who matter to patients.
- We are guided by patients: when the people who matter will visit, how they would like them involved in their care, and note when they want to rest.
- We work in partnership with the people who matter to patients.
- We have no set visiting times.
- We respect people’s individual needs and act on an individual basis to ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of all patients. This means there may be times when we need to ask people to leave a clinical area temporarily.
Individual visiting plans
An individual visiting plan should be discussed with the person, their family and ward staff. This will ensure:
- the needs of the person are met
- no blanket timelines for the duration of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I visit?
Please speak to the person you are visiting, and the ward staff, about the best times for you to visit.
How many people can visit?
In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (these visitors can change). This is to help make the environment as restful as possible, and to minimise the risk of infection. There may be times when it would be appropriate for more than 2 people to visit at a time. The nurse in charge will be happy to discuss this with you.
Can I phone the ward to find out how a relative or friend is doing?
Yes. If possible, we ask that one family member is identified to be the key hospital contact who takes responsibility to share information with other family and friends, as appropriate.
Please note, there is a limit to what information we can give over the phone, and who we can give this information to.
What safety measures do I need to follow?
- Please use the hand sanitizing gel provided when coming into and leaving the ward.
- Please do not visit if you are unwell. For example, if you have cold or flu, vomiting or diarrhoea, or an upset stomach.
- Please use the toilets for the public, and not those designated for patients or staff, where you can.
- Visiting may take place at a bedside or communal area. In all instances chairs provided for visiting should be used. If visiting at a bedside, you should avoid sitting on the bed as this can spread infection.
- If your relative/friend is being isolated, or if the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
What visiting arrangements are in place in outpatient areas or emergency departments?
Person Centred Visiting is in place across NHSGGC, including outpatient areas and emergency departments.
Please see the rest of this page for information about Person Centred Visiting.
My family member or friend is particularly vulnerable to the risk of infection. What visiting arrangements are in place for them?
Where there is a particularly high risk of infection, patients will continue to have visiting arrangements discussed as part of their individual risk assessments. Ward and department staff will be happy to discuss these with you.
My family member or friend has an infection. Can I visit them?
If your relative/friend is being isolated, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
A ward is closed due to an outbreak of an infection. What visiting arrangements are in place there?
If the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.
Can I visit during mealtimes?
Eating is a social occasion. You are welcome to visit at mealtimes to offer support and encouragement. However, please discuss visiting during mealtimes with the person you are visiting, and the ward staff.
Are children welcome?
Children are welcome to visit, however children under 18 years of age need to be supervised at all times.
If I am not able to visit, are there other ways that I can stay in touch?
We are offering ‘virtual visiting’ (video calls) for all patients. All wards have iPads specially set up to make video calls. This lets you see and talk to the people who matter to you. If you have your own mobile phone, tablet or laptop we can help you to make video calls using your equipment, if you are not able to do this yourself
What if I am visiting someone on a Mental Health Ward?
For information about visiting someone on a Mental Health Ward, please visit our Person centred visiting in mental health wards information page.