Visiting someone in hospital – do’s and don’ts

Visiting someone in hospital – do’s and don’ts

Visiting someone – a loved one – in hospital is usually a positive thing for them, and you.

So. Let’s talk about visiting someone in hospital – do’s and don’ts. And go through them now.

7 Do’s

1. Check the visiting hours before you go
2. Find them
3. Wash your hands
4. Do bring gifts but keep them small. They have to be taken home. And consider restrictions on them (e.g flowers and food)
5. Turn off your mobile phone
6. Keep visits short, preferably under an hour. Patients can get tired very quickly
7. Ask to speak to a doctor or nurse to get an update. But if they arrive and they need to do something, offer to leave.

7 Don’ts

1. Visit if you may have an infection
2. Expect the patient to entertain you. They are there to heal, not to talk or keep you occupied. When people are ill, they need to concentrate. They may be grumpy. So it is OK to hold hands and sit in silence
3. Stay too long
4. Bring young children
5. Cause your loved one any stress
6. Smoke during the visit
7. Take photographs or videos. Other patients may not want to be in the picture.

Summary

We have described visiting someone in hospital – 7 do’s and 7 don’ts. We hope you have found them useful.

Last Reviewed on 8 March 2024