Keeping patients and our staff safe is our top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are our guidelines for visitors:
- You must wear a face covering (or mask) all the time you are inside the hospital
- You must enter and leave through the main hospital reception only
- You must clean your hands with the alcohol gel provided when entering and leaving the hospital and the ward
- You should bring as few bags, coats and other loose belongings with you as possible – ideally just a mobile phone and keys placed in a plastic bag you can throw away as you leave
- You must stay at least two metres away from other people at all times
- You must put your face mask in the bin provided as you leave the hospital
- You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home
Who can and can’t visit:
- You should not come into hospital if you have COVID-19 symptoms or any health concerns
- If you are in an at-risk group (anyone over 70, who has an underlying health condition, is pregnant or shielding) you are advised not to visit and do so at your own risk
- Children under 16 are not allowed to visit, except in exceptional circumstances, which you should discuss with the nurse in charge
- If you need the help of a carer to visit, please discuss this when you call to book
- Carers with a Carer’s Passport can continue visiting at any time
- You may be asked to leave the ward during your visit. This may because your relative or another patient requires treatment or if an emergency occurs
Face masks and other personal protective equipment
Wearing a face mask can make you feel very hot so we advise that you are not over-dressed during your visit and have had plenty to drink before you come in.
You will need to keep your mask on for the whole of your visit so you will not be able to have a drink while you are in the hospital.
You may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) in some areas of the hospital. Staff will help you put on and take off this equipment safely.
If you are not wearing the required PPE you will be asked to leave for your own safety and that of patients, other visitors and staff.
You can find out more about how Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust is keeping patients and staff safe during the pandemic on our information page.
