Bank Holiday Weekend Information for families and carers

We are currently experiencing a high level of demand for our hospital services and our colleagues are working around the clock to help ensure patients receive the care they need. If you have a loved one in hospital, have an appointment, or need to attend our emergency or maternity departments between Friday 30 December and Tuesday 3 January, please read the information below:

Attendance at our emergency department

Patients are asked to attend with one relative only wherever possible and siblings should not attend the children’s emergency department wherever practically possible as this helps us. All attendees should continue to wear masks in all areas of our hospitals.

We see patients in order of clinical priority – with emergency medical needs being seen first. Wait times can vary and if your need is not an emergency you may face a significant wait. Please call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk to be directed to the most appropriate place for your needs.

If your loved one needs to be admitted to a ward from our emergency department the ward receiving the patient will notify you of their arrival. Please note that updates from the ward may take slightly longer than usual as our teams will be focused on patient care.

Ward visiting and inpatient Information

We continue to allow visitors to come to our wards, but it may not be possible to see a clinician during your visit. We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause. Necessary updates will still be given in person or via phone to registered next of kin.

Complaints or concerns can be discussed with the Matron for the ward area, or through our Patient Information Liaison Service.

Visiting times can be found here.

Patients going home

Families and carers can support the care of all our patients by enabling a prompt discharge for patients that are able. If your loved one or person in your care is ready to go home, we will notify you in the morning and would be grateful if you can support them to leave as soon as practically possible. This enables us to admit other patients who require a bed.

Maternity

If you urgently need to speak to our maternity team you can continue to call our delivery suites.

Information for people with pre-booked vaccination or appointments

We are continuing to honour pre-booked appointments. You should continue to attend unless you receive a direct communication from the hospital advising you otherwise.