Adult inpatient wards
2 visitors are allowed to visit a patient, and can do so at the same time.
Visiting times at our hospitals operate seven days a week and vary between wards. Some areas in our hospitals may have extra rules to help keep people safe and protect them from the risk of infection.
Find out more about our wards at Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital.
Please do not visit if:
- you have respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing or sore throat
- you have been sick or have diarrhoea
When you visit, please make sure you:
- use the hand gel provided as soon as you enter the hospital, a ward or unit, and frequently thereafter
- only visit the unit the patient is being cared for
- avoid sitting on hospital beds
- follow the additional measures that might be requested by our staff if you are visiting a patient with an infection
Flowers
Flowers and plants are not allowed in some areas of the hospital. This is because the stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Please check with the ward if you can bring or send flowers.
Flowers and plants are not allowed in our intensive care and high dependency units.
Smoking and vaping
Our hospitals are smoke and vape free, so please help us to protect patients by not smoking or vaping immediately before visiting. Patients who smoke will be offered smoking cessation support while in hospital.
For support quitting, patients can also contact their GP practice or the NHS stop smoking service on 0800 0221 4332.
Keeping in touch
Other ways you can keep in touch:
Virtual visiting
Our ward staff try to make sure patients have access to, and support with, electronic devices such as iPads and smartphones, to get in touch loved ones virtually. We have a small supply in our hospitals, but inpatients should bring their own devices and charges where possible.
Calling the ward
You can call the ward directly and ask to speak to the ward nurse in charge.
You can also call the Royal Brompton Hospital switchboard on 020 7352 8121 or the Harefield Hospital switchboard on 01895 823 737 and ask to be put through to the ward the patient is staying on.
Overnight accommodation
We have limited accommodation available for visitors if there is a need to stay overnight. For more details, please visit our visitor accommodation page.