Visiting hours are 14:00 – 19:00
Please speak to the nurse in charge if you need to visit outside of these hours, the team always try to be flexible.
Too many visitors at one time can be very tiring for patients. We ask that this is limited to a maximum of two visitors at the bedside.
Entry to ICU/HDU
On arrival to the unit you will find an intercom system outside the entrance. Press the buzzer and, when someone answers, please say who you are and who you are visiting. It sometimes takes a while to answer the buzzer if the nurses are busy. Please be patient.
Once at the doors leading directly into the units there is a doorbell for you to ringplease wait at the door for someone to greet you.
There is a visitor’s waiting room available for your use. There are many aspects of care which have to be done around the clock and waiting is sometimes unavoidable, however, if you feel you have been waiting for a long time with no update (30 minutes or more) please use the telephone in the visitor’s room to ring through to the area you require.
Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of other patients in the unit. All patients have the right to this.
If your relative or friend is in ICU/HDU for a long time, you may find that visiting becomes harder. It is quite normal to feel helpless because it seems there is nothing you can do.
You could pass the time by reading aloud from a favourite book or a newspaper, if your friend or relative is unconscious.
It can be helpful for you to have someone to talk to. A hospital chaplain can visit or they can arrange for a representative of a specific faith or belief to come and see you.
Visiting can be very tiring. It is understandable to be worried about your relative or friend but it is important to take care of yourself. Try to rest properly and don’t forget to eat sensibly.
Can I help?
Some of the drugs will keep a patient deeply asleep. However, you should always assume that the patient can hear you and understand everything that you are saying.
Do feel free to talk to your relative or friend. Do not be afraid to touch your relative or friend. It may be comforting for both of you.
While your relative or friend is in Critical Care you may want to help with the care being given. This could involve simple mouth care or helping to wash your relative or friend. This would be done under the supervision of a nurse.
The nurse will be able to advise and discuss this with you.