We are pleased to welcome visitors to our hospitals. Please read the following guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Visiting Hours and Policy

You do not need to book a slot to visit a patient at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

• A maximum of two visitors per patient can visit at a time.
• General ward visiting hours are from 11am to 8pm.

Please note that these times may not apply to specialist areas, including Maternity, Neonatal, Children’s Wards, and Intensive Care, as these have specific visiting arrangements.

Please check with these wards directly by calling the hospital switchboard at 01922 721172 before you visit.

To prevent the spread of infections, please follow these rules:

• Use the hand sanitiser provided before and after visiting a patient. You are also encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water where available.
• Do not visit if you have a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, or any other infectious condition.

Visits outside of normal hours can be supported in exceptional circumstances, such as when a patient:

• Is at the end of their life.
• Needs additional support from a carer.
• Would like religious or spiritual care.
• Needs further support after a diagnosis or difficult news.
• Needs support during mealtimes.

Please speak to a member of staff on the ward for more information.

• Calling the Ward: You can call the hospital switchboard at 01922 721172 and ask to be connected to the correct ward. Please be aware that only limited information can be shared over the phone to protect patient confidentiality.
• Calling Directly: You may be able to contact your loved one on their personal mobile phone.

• Checking In: Please check in at the ward information desk when you arrive. This helps us ensure the safety and security of all patients. Unpaid carers with a ‘partner in care’ agreement will be issued a visitor’s pass.
• Privacy: Please respect patient privacy. Knock before entering a patient’s room, and if a curtain is pulled around a bed, ask if it’s okay to enter. You may be kindly asked to leave the ward during doctors’ rounds or cleaning times. Please avoid discussing the patient’s condition or medical history in public areas.
• Filming and Photography: We ask that you do not film or photograph staff members or other patients without their explicit, verbal consent. This policy is in place to protect everyone’s privacy and dignity.
• Mealtimes: Mealtimes are important for patient recovery. Visitors are welcome to assist the person they are visiting with their meal, with their agreement. Please speak to the nurse in charge before helping.
• Comfort Items: Feel free to bring comfort items like books, magazines, or toiletries. Please check with nursing staff for any restrictions on gifts or flowers, and discuss any food or drink with them before bringing it onto the ward.
• Interacting with Staff: Our staff are here to help. If you have questions or concerns, please speak to a nurse or the ward manager.

If you have any questions, you can also contact our Patient Relations Team or ask staff about our other support services, including chaplaincy services and family and carers support.