Southend Hospital in ‘open all hours’ visitor trial
31 July 2014
Health Care
In a trial running throughout August (from Monday 4th) and September, Southend Hospital will have more flexible visitor times on a limited number of wards, which if successful could see extended visiting hours across further wards at the Prittlewell Chase site.
Wards that will be open visiting on a trial basis, from 6am -
9pm, will be Westcliff and Rochford, and those wards that will be
open extended hours, from 11am to 8pm, will be Hockley, AMU1 and
AMU2, with Blenheim and Balmoral opening from 12 noon - 8pm.
Sue Hardy, director of nursing, said: "Visiting times for most
wards are normally 2.30pm - 4.30pm and then 6pm - 8pm. We are
trialling the changes to visiting times to make it easier and more
convenient for visitors to spend time with patients on a limited
number of wards."
Such pilot schemes have proved successful at hospitals elsewhere
in the country. Those who had successful trials found that the
extended visiting hours gave visitors more convenience, improved
communication between hospital staff and allowed them to be more
involved in their loved-one's care.
Anne Groome, ward manager of Westcliff and Rochford wards added:
"We are really excited to see what the impact will be, the success
of the trial will rely on good communication between ward staff and
visitors. The only thing that we ask is that visitors are
respectful to our nursing staff at all times and considerate to
patients by allowing them reasonable time to rest."
Doctors and nurses will need to continue to provide care and
treatment during these times, so it may be necessary for visitors
to temporarily step out while this is done.
The trial scheme is due to run until the end of September, with
a decision on whether to change the visiting times permanently or
for the trial to be extended further to made soon after.
Sue Hardy concluded: "Staggering visiting throughout the day is
more convenient on site, so there won't be such a high demand for
car parking at say 2.30pm. Hopefully there will be advantages for
patients, their loved ones and the hospital as a whole, both on the
wards and off them, with this pilot scheme."