Loved ones can visit patients at Royal Bolton Hospital at a time that best suits them after the hospital introduced open visiting.

Visiting encouraged between 10am and 7pm to allow time for patients to rest and recover

Policies were reviewed in March 2024 to make it clear that open visiting is allowed, with people being encouraged to visit between 10am and 7pm to allow staff to provide treatment, investigations and rest for patients.

Visiting is allowed to take place outside of these times, but it’s recommended that people discuss arrangements in advance with a member of the ward team.

Visitors are being asked to take simple steps to keep everyone safe, including washing hands as people enter and leave wards, and not visiting if people have signs or symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or flu, diarrhoea and vomiting or other infectious illnesses.

Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We’re really pleased to be able to welcome friends and family to see their loved ones at a time that works best for them, as we know this is how many of us find comfort during a hospital stay.

“We do ask that people try and schedule their visits between 10am and 7pm so that we can allow patients who are staying on our wards to get the rest that is so important for their recovery.

“Hygiene and the safety of our patients is still a top priority so we ask anyone who visits someone in hospital to wash their hands when arriving and leaving and to regularly make use of the hand gels provided."

The Trust is also signed up to John’s Campaign, which allows for open visiting times for relatives and carers of patients with dementia.

Carers are welcomed onto the ward and made to feel valued and respected as carers who look after their loved one living with dementia, and will receive support from dedicated teams of highly skilled nurses, doctors and allied healthcare professionals.

Visiting arrangements in maternity

The trust has special arrangements in place to support women and their families during pregnancy, and welcome two adult to visit at any time between 9am and 9pm on the postnatal and antenatal wards.

If people would like to visit the ward outside of these hours they are advised to contact the ward directly.

More information about visiting arrangements within maternity at Royal Bolton Hospital is available on the trust’s website.

Visiting arrangements in children’s/Ward E5 is one parent or guardian is able to stay overnight, otherwise visiting for parents and guardians is unrestricted.

Other visitors are welcome between 8am and 8pm, but the hospital ask that no more than two visitors are at the bedside at any one time, including parents and siblings.

Additional support for patients with learning disabilities

Royal Bolton Hospital welcomes carers for patients with learning disabilities, and values their input for what they contribute to providing care.

Open and unrestricted visiting is available for carers, who can also choose to be involved with meal times.