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Visiting us

Everything you need to know if you are visiting our wards during COVID-19.

Visiting our hospitals during COVID-19

We are pleased to be welcoming visitors back to our wards.

Some restrictions are still in place to help keep everyone as safe as possible:

  • Inpatients (non-COVID) are welcome to have up to two visitors at a time for one hour each day on an appointment basis between 10am and 8pm.
  • All visits must be booked in advance by calling the relevant hospital ward.
  • Daily visitors can be different people from day to day.
  • To help keep everyone safe we ask that visitors meet inpatients in ward areas rather than in public areas of our hospitals.
  • Some high risk areas may ask visitors to do a lateral flow test 24 hours before attending.
All visitors must continue to wear their face covering at all times, gel their hands upon entering and leaving both the hospital and ward areas and maintain social distancing.

Please do not visit if:

  • You have symptoms of COVID-19

  • You have tested positive for COVID-19

  • You have been identified as a close contact (for example someone in your household has had COVID in the last seven days)

  • You have symptoms of another infectious disease

Visit the NHS website for more advice on symptoms and testing.

If you are unable to visit why not ask the ward about arranging a virtual visit using one of our ward iPads?

Flexible visiting

More flexible visiting can be arranged when:

  • Visiting a child or baby

  • Visiting a patient at the end of their life or when they are critically ill

  • You are supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability or autism, where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed

These flexible visits can be arranged by calling the hospital ward and asking to speak to the nurse in charge.

Patients and visitors must wear face coverings

In line with national guidance to prevent the spread of coronavirus, face coverings must be worn by all patients and visitors entering any of our hospitals or health services.

If you are attending an appointment please bring your own face covering where possible. If you don’t have one, we will provide you with one.

These will be available at mask and information stations at main entrances. Guidance on how to use and dispose of your mask safely will also be on display.

If you are visiting our community venues please ask a member of staff to get you a mask if you do not have your own.

Children under 11 do not need to wear a mask.

Send a message to a friend or relative

If you would like to get a message or picture to an inpatient at any of  our hospitals while restricted visiting is in place during COVID-19 our patient experience team are here to help.

Simply email your message to stees.patient.experience@nhs.net including the full name of the patient and the ward that they are on (if known) and we will ensure it is passed on as soon as possible.

To help us ensure your message reaches the right person please include their full name, date of birth and the first line of their home address (or the name of their GP surgery).

Gifts and cards can also be dropped off at the patient experience office near north reception at The James Cook University Hospital on weekdays between 9am and 4pm.