Visiting a patient

We recognise the valuable contribution that visiting makes to the care and wellbeing of our patients. That’s why we are pleased to return to our pre-pandemic approach to visiting.

Hospitals have safety measures in place to help keep patients, visitors and staff safe, including good hand hygiene practice and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Visitors are no longer required to wear a face mask in non-clinical areas and in the majority of clinical areas. However, you may be asked to wear a mask in areas where we are treating our most vulnerable patients. Whilst you no longer need to wear a mask, we recognise some people will feel more comfortable doing so. If you would like to wear a mask, please do so.

When visiting a patient please keep the following in mind:

• if you feel unwell – for example if you have symptoms of Covid-19, any respiratory illness, flu, sickness or diarrhoea– please do not come to hospital
• we may need to restrict visiting in certain areas from time to time to help protect our most vulnerable patients, or to prevent the spread of infections or illnesses. We appreciate your understanding in these circumstances
• use hand sanitiser or wash your hands as you enter the hospital and when entering or leaving any department
• follow any local infection prevention and control measures, as advised by staff and signage

Visiting an inpatient

Inpatients can have up to two visitors at their bedside at any one time during visiting hours and a visit does not need to be booked in advance. Please be sure to check ward visiting hours before travelling to hospital.

Visiting a child

Two parents, guardians or siblings can visit a child on a hospital ward at the same time during visiting hours and a visit does not need to be booked in advance. Please be sure to check ward visiting hours before travelling to hospital.

Visiting a patient at the end of their life

When patients are at the end of their life, it is important to have family around them. In addition to the usual two visitors allowed at the patient’s bedside, the ward team can support additional visitors for a patient at the end of their life. Speak to the nurse in charge for more information.

Accompanying someone to a routine hospital appointment

You’re very welcome to bring a friend, loved one or carer with you to your outpatient, maternity or diagnostic appointment to support you.

Coming to A&E

We ask that you attend our A&E department alone where possible, as our A&Es can get very crowded meaning more risk of infection.

However, you are welcome to bring someone to A&E in the following situations:

• you have a regular carer who supports your health and social needs – particularly dementia, learning disabilities or autism – or is required to help you communicate
• you are a child (anyone under 16) who needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• you are a patient at the end of life

Maternity services

We can now welcome two birthing partners to support patients during labour and childbirth. See our detailed guidance for more information on accompanying someone to a maternity appointment and being present for labour and childbirth.

Carers

Carers are welcome to come to hospital to support patients' health and social needs. A familiar carer or supporter is not considered a visitor. We can provide carers with a carer's passport so that each patient’s main carer can be identified easily.

Keeping in touch with family and friends

We know how difficult it is to be separated from friends and family and we will do everything we can to help you to stay in touch with your loved ones. We are regularly reviewing our visiting policies and will allow more visitors into hospital when it is safe to do so. 

Visitor accommodation

Visitors to any of the Trust’s hospitals can use purpose-built accommodation next to Hammersmith Hospital on Du Cane road. They are a 10-minute walk from East Acton tube station and easily accessible by local buses. Accommodation is limited so early booking is advisable. Please call 020 3313 4873 or email imperial.accommodation@nhs.net. Rates are £65.00 per night for patient relatives and £70.00 for all other guests (prices correct as of January 2023). Find out more.