This page was last updated: January 23rd, 2023
Open visiting on all wards is between 10am and 8pm, 7 days a week unless stated otherwise on the wards page. Please check the wards page before visiting.
Visiting outside these times can be discussed with the nurse or midwife in charge. See our Visiting Policy.
Changing levels of cases of COVID-19 in Cornwall means that the we must review and restrict visiting at times. We know how hard this is for patients and relatives, and exceptional circumstances for visiting will be considered when necessary.
No visitors are permitted in any outbreak areas unless there are special circumstances that have been authorised by the nurse in charge. This policy is put in place to protect both patients and visitors. Once the outbreak is no longer a health concern then visiting arrangements will return to current RCHT visiting arrangements.
All patients will be allowed a maximum of 2 visitors, reduced to 1 visitor or carer in admitting areas. Visits will be for a maximum of an hour per day. The two visitors can be different people each day but they will need to come together. All visits should be arranged in advance.
Visitors must not visit if they have:
All visitors must:
Before visiting, visitors should use the public toilet facilities within the hospital as these will not be available on the ward.
Arrangements are specific to different areas but follow the same basic principles. Visiting outside the specified hours should be made with the ward manager. For example, to allow a relative to be present to break bad news or provide support if the patient has complex needs.
It may be necessary to amend visiting arrangements on any ward at short notice if there are cases of covid or any other infection outbreak. We will advise you when you call to arrangement your visit.
Patients may have increased visiting with no restriction on the number of visitors or length of visit. This is at the discretion of the ward or unit manager. The patient does not need to have and end of life care plan (blue book) in place for these criteria to be applied.
Adults attending an outpatient appointment may be accompanied by 1 person.
Children and adults may be accompanied by 1 person. The department manager can approve more in exceptional circumstances.
Face masks must be worn.
There will be a maximum of 2 nominated visitors who may visit for 1 hour per day. This can be increased to 4 visitors (who will ideally attend in pairs).
All patients will be reviewed daily and if increased visiting is permitted this will be recorded and communicated to the family.
Visits will be booked in advance and recorded in the visitor log and on the patient’s Carevue.
Staff will restrict the number of visitors to 1 set per 4 and 6 bed units. 2 sets of visitors will be permitted on the north side.
The red staff room or former visiting room should not be used.
Both parents and brothers and sisters may visit without restriction between 10am and 8pm. Grandparents may also visit with the parent’s consent. Other visitors can be agreed with the nurse in charge.
The number of visitors at the bedside should not exceed 2 people.
Both parents may accompany a child to an outpatient appointment.
Visitors will not be permitted if they have a cough, cold or gastrointestinal illness, or other infection which could be passed on to the children.
Parents may visit at any time.
A parent may be accompanied by another person of their choice, including the baby’s siblings, between 2pm and 7pm daily. The number of people at the bedside should not exceed 2 people.
Visitors will not be permitted if they have a cough, cold or gastrointestinal illness, or other infection that could be passed on to the babies.
Children are not allowed to visit without the agreement of the clinical matron or on call manager (maternity).
If anything to do with infection prevention is worrying you, feel free to challenge staff, they won’t mind. You can also always speak to a senior member of staff. Our infection prevention team also provides a 24-hour advice and guidance service.
Find out more about how we work to prevent infection on our quality and safety standards page.
For some top tips on washing your hands well see this BBC video
The chairs are operated by a £1 coin and they do not accept cards; however there is a cashpoint and a shop in the foyer there – there is also a receptionist there who can usually let a wheelchair out for you.
These wheelchairs are push only and are not able to be self-operated. Porters are available to push patients to their appointments.