Visiting times

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.

Maternity Labour Ward (B8):

• 2 birth partners at any time
• no children

Maternity Labour (B8 Induction of labour):

• Partners can visit between 10am and 9pm
• One additional visitor welcome between 2pm and 7pm
• No children

Maternity Postnatal / Antenatal Wards (B7 / B6)

• Partners can visit between 10am and 9pm
• Visitors and siblings welcome between 2pm and 7pm
• 2 adults at bedside at a time
• No other children (siblings only)

Mary Rose Birth Centre (B5 Labour)

• 2 birth partners at any time
• No children

Mary Rose Birth Centre (B5 Postnatal)

• Partners can visit between 10am and 9pm
• Visitors and siblings welcome between 2pm and 7pm
• 2 adults at bedside at a time
• No other children (siblings only)

Maternity Outpatients (including appointments and scans)

• 1 person with patient only
• No other children 

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@porthosp.nhs.uk

You can email a personal message any time by emailing messagetolovedones@porthosp.nhs.uk or you can call free phone 0800 917 6039. The team will either take down your message or you can leave a voice mail, but please make sure to leave the patient's name and the ward they are on.

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@qahospitalradio.com. 

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.