NHS trust introduces new 'open visiting' hours
PA MediaAn NHS trust has introduced "open visiting" hours across its hospitals to give patients "greater flexibility to spend time with loved ones".
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust will allow visitors daily between 10:30 and 19:30. Previously times varied from ward to ward and were often at set afternoon and evening windows.
Chief Nurse Gill Hunt said it would help patients stay connected with their loved ones, adding: "We know spending time with family and friends plays a vital role in wellbeing and recovery."
The trust also encouraged children to visit "where appropriate", having previously limited younger visitors.
The trust said the updated policy recognised the "importance of maintaining family connections during hospital stays".
It covers sites including Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham.
There would be a maximum of two visitors, who would have to follow infection prevention measures such as not sitting on patient beds or using patient toilets.
The trust said no additional staff were being brought on specifically for the change.
It added visitors may occasionally be asked to "step out briefly to enable patient care, privacy or rest".
