The Northern Care Alliance has launched its new visitors’ charter, with new visiting times.
The charter outlines a clear and consistent approach to when visitors can visit the ward areas, what is expected of them and how ward staff will also help and support.
The new visitors’ charter offers extended visiting hours from 10am to 7.30pm. There are no restrictions for people visiting patients at the end of life or where assistance is needed for communication purposes such as learning disabilities, dementia and mental health. Separate arrangements are also in place on the maternity wards, and patients will be informed of those when admitted.
Most wards can accommodate two visitors at a time, some are only able to accommodate one due to space restrictions. Children under the age of 12 need to have the agreement of the nurse in charge before visiting.
The new arrangements can be flexible and patients can speak to the ward manager or nurse in charge to discuss their personal circumstances to ensure their visiting needs are met.
If possible, please contact the ward by phone to check before visiting.
Face masks
Due to rising cases of flu and related respiratory viruses across Greater Manchester, face masks are available at our entrances for patients, staff members and visitors who choose to wear them. You may also be requested to wear a face mask when visiting some of our clinical areas, our staff will let you know if this is required. We also ask that you do not visit our hospitals if you have signs / symptoms of a respiratory infection within the last 48 hours.
Simple steps to wearing your face mask effectively include:
- It should cover your nose and mouth when in use.
- You should be able to breathe and talk comfortably when wearing it.
- You should try not to touch the front of your face mask e.g by pulling it down to talk, or wear it in any other way other than to cover your nose and mouth.
- Your face mask is single use and should be disposed of into the bin immediately once removed.
- You should clean your hands after removing and disposing of your face mask – alcohol hand gel is very effective for this.
Please also follow any additional infection control precautions recommended by our staff as these are to protect both yourself, other patients and our staff and help us to maintain safe and effective care.
Please do not visit if
- You have Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive or recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19
- You have any respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing or a sore throat
- You have been sick or have diarrhoea
Unless you have been told to attend the hospital by your doctor or another healthcare professional.