Know your hospital visiting hours policy
Nurses and other staff members may need to wake a sleeping patient, but it is never a need for the visitor to do so. It is also inappropriate to ask what is wrong with the person you are visiting.
The controversy surrounding hospital visiting hours is being challenged by health care institutions internationally. The rules that govern practice are often based on the institutional precedent which may not be favorable to all.Visiting hours differ from one hospital to the next and they are continuously changing. Along the visitation hours come different rules for different wards such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU- which is a ward specialising in patients with heart attacks, unstable angina, cardiac dysrhythmia and other various cardiac conditions), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (a ward for new born babies who need intensive medical attention).
Most hospitals make provisions for visitors coming from far, emergency cases and patients who are critically ill and other cases. “Security officers here at Dundee Hospital have to contact the Operational Manager of the relevant ward for prior arrangements to be made for permission to be granted,” said Siboniso Dube, Public Relations Officer (PRO) at Dundee hospital.
Though it may seem like a chore to many, visiting a sick friend or family member in hospital makes a difference to their health. It also indicates emotional and moral support.
Visiting hours at Dundee Hospital are from 10am – 11.30am, 2.30 pm – 3.30pm and from 6.30 – 7.30pm. So what does one do when visiting the hospital?
Ask the patient for permission to visit before you arrive and if they prefer you not to visit, opt for another day or visit them once they get home. In case you visit while a patient is sleeping never wake them up as its their job to rest and recover quicker. Nurses and other staff members may need to wake a sleeping patient, but it is never a need for the visitor to do so. It is also inappropriate to ask what is wrong with the person you are visiting. Don’t put a friend or family in a position of having to tell you their medical condition. When they are ready to talk about a particular issue, they will do so. Until then respect their privacy.
One major thing not to do when visiting a patient is to not sit on their bed or throw your coat on it. Don’t speak loudly as loud noises of any kind may be very irritating to a sick person. “As a visitor, you should not comment on the patients choice of doctor or the doctor’s choice of treatment,” said Thulani Lekgau, who has recently been a patient at a hospital. Don’t suggest treatments or remedies; that is the doctor’s job.”
Though it may seem like a chore to many, visiting a sick friend or family member in hospital makes a difference to their health. It also indicates emotional and moral support.
Should you have any concerns or disappointments through visiting any hospital facility dissatisfied with their treatment as a patient or a visitor, you should report the matter to the PRO and CEO of the hospital. The matter should then be investigated further with relevant information given by the complainant.
