Visiting North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction

We understand that it is a worrying time when your relative or friend is admitted to hospital and it is even more worrying during a pandemic.

We are keen to help make sure that visiting can take place in ward areas. We recognise the benefits this brings to patients and staff.

This needs to be take place in a way that maintains the health, wellbeing and safety of our patients, communities and staff at all times.

Virtual visiting

Virtual visiting is available and where possible, we ask that if your visit is not essential, that you use virtual visiting as your first choice.

Virtual visiting is available for all of our inpatient areas.

If the patient is unable to do this using their own devices, please contact the Patient Experience Team on 01642 624719 to arrange a virtual appointment.

How will I arrange an appointment?

To book an appointment for a relative visit, please contact the ward directly or contact the main switchboard on 01642 617617 and ask to be transferred to the ward.

How will face to face visiting work?

Visiting will be restricted to two visitors per patient, per appointment. Appointments can be made with the relevant ward for a one-hour visit.

All visitors are reminded:

• Face coverings must be worn at all times. The clinical area will be able to provide you with a surgical standard facemask on arrival
• If you have a medical exemption for wearing a face covering, please consider whether your medical condition makes you more vulnerable to infection and whether virtual visiting will help to protect you
• Safe distancing and hand washing remain very important everywhere – especially in hospitals. Staff will be willing to demonstrate correct handwashing procedures and how to put on the relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Unfortunately, appointments are limited to allow us to comply with safe distancing recommendations and to restrict the number of visitors in the clinical area. As restrictions continue to ease, we hope to increase the number of visitors.

Visiting may be paused or reviewed in line with national and local guidance.

This does not affect visiting for those patients requiring support in exceptional circumstances as described below:

• Patients with dementia, delirium or cognitive impairment that require support from a familiar carer, in accordance with the principles of John’s Campaign

John’s Campaign is a national campaign for patients with learning disabilities, dementia and additional needs, which allows a patient’s relative or carer to stay with them while they are in hospital

• Patients with mental health needs that require support from an established carer
• Patients with autism or learning disabilities who require support from an established carer
• Patients receiving bad news can have a family member or friend with them for support
• Patients who are coming to the end of life. Staff will accommodate for those close to the patient to visit and be with their loved one. A maximum of two visitors is allowed at any one time
• Patients can be accompanied by one visitor to an outpatient appointment if there is an identified need such as supporting with impaired mobility, cognitive impairment or other needs

If you would like to visit a patient who requires support, please discuss this with the Matron on the ward.

Please do not visit if you are:

• Isolating due to Covid-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 symptoms
• Feeling unwell, including temperature, cold or flu symptoms

Delivering and collecting belongings

If you do not require a face-to-face visit, but would like to deliver some belongings, please contact our Patient Experience Team (please see the Contact Numbers section below) from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you want to deliver belongings outside of these hours, please go to the Security Office, which is located to the right of the main Reception Desk.

Please label the bag clearly with the patient’s name and ward number.

If you would like to arrange collection of laundry, please contact the ward area.

Please be aware that ward staff will not be able to accommodate a visit that has not been arranged or is not at the agreed time slot, unless there are exceptional circumstances. We hope the information in this leaflet is helpful, however if you require further information, or have any suggestions about how we can improve visiting, please contact our Patient Experience Team.

Contact numbers

North Tees Hospital Main Switchboard

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]