social-media-graphic---visiting-update.png

Visiting update at QEQM

We are now able to re-open all wards at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital to visitors, however visitors should be aware that some bays within some wards are still affected by norovirus, so please check with your loved one before visiting them.  

 Pausing visiting was not a decision that we took lightly but our absolute priority was to protect our patients and minimise the risk of spreading norovirus and other winter illnesses to staff and other vulnerable people in our hospitals.

 We’ve reopened visiting as soon as possible because we know how important it is for our patients and their loved ones to see each other and have face-to-face contact.

 Important information for visitors

  • If you have symptoms of any viruses, including flu and tummy bugs, please do not visit loved ones at our hospitals until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

  • Please do not visit if you have spent time with anyone with symptoms

  • Please clean your hands when you arrive at the ward/department and when you leave

  • Please only visit one patient

  • If it is possible for only one person to visit at a time, please do so

  • If it is possible, please avoid bringing children to visit loved ones at this time.

If the person you want to visit is in an affected bay (a section of the ward where some patients are still experiencing norovirus symptoms), please do not visit if you are vulnerable to infection or if you care for, or live with, someone who is vulnerable. If the person you want to visit is ill with norovirus, please do not visit them until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

If your loved one is at the end of their life or needs specific support we will ensure you are able to visit and this will be agreed by the ward manager. 

 Norovirus is a seasonal illness that can usually be treated at home. Please be aware that it norovirus can spread in non-symptomatic people and that it continues to circulate in local communities. Help prevent the spread of infections such as norovirus by:

  • staying at home if you feel unwell

  • washing your hands regularly

  • Find more about norovirus and how to prevent the spread: http://nhs.uk/norovirus