Hospital visiting hours have been extended across north and West Cumbria.
People visiting patients in Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and community hospitals can pop in between 1pm and 8pm, seven days a week from tomorrow, Friday August 1.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, said it aimed to make it easier for people to spend time with their loved ones.
Hilda Gwilliams, interim chief nurse, said: “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.
“By introducing open visiting hours, we’re making it easier for people to spend time with their loved ones and be more involved in their care.
“Afternoon visiting hours are often preferred in hospitals because they allow for a more peaceful and less disruptive environment for patients recovering from procedures and illnesses.
“Doctors’ rounds and other medical procedures are typically completed in the morning, freeing up the afternoon for more relaxed interactions between patients and their visitors.
“Patients can get tired very quickly and we ask that this be respected to aid their recovery. For this reason, the number of visitors each patient is allowed is usually restricted to no more than two people at any one time.
“I think the move to open visiting will make a big difference to the wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones.”
The nurse in charge will continue to use their discretion for any additional visiting needs, for example those using maternity services, paediatric services, or receiving end of life care.
All visitors are asked to not visit loved ones in hospital if they do not feel well as infections are more dangerous for those who are already ill.
People are asked to use hand sanitiser before and after visiting a ward.
