Liz McClurg, one of the Nurse Managers at Raigmore Hospital, is on the planning team for this consultation. She explains:
"With advances in surgical techniques, medical care and treatments we are finding that many patients are having a shorter stay in hospital and, during their stay, it is vital they get the opportunity to rest and recover. However, we also recognise just how important visitors can be to a patient's recovery bringing much needed company and news. What we are trying to do is find a reasonable balance between these factors. Our aim is to provide patients with a safe, comfortable environment in which they can receive care, take meals, rest and receive visitors."
Current visiting hours are 3-5pm and 6-8pm, and these continue to remain an option. However, a number of further options are suggested for the revised visiting hours. These take into account a variety of factors such as protected mealtimes for patients, the ability to carry out medical rounds / nursing duties through the day, distance and travel time for visitors and children being able to visit outwith school hours. The public will have the opportunity to select from a number of options. For afternoon visiting the options are 2-4pm or 2.30-4.30pm. For evening visiting the options are 7-8pm, 6.30-8.30pm or 7-8.30pm.
Mrs McClurg adds:
"Patients are our priority and by reviewing the visiting hours we feel patients will benefit. The proposed times will allow additional rest for patients between visiting hours, patients will be able to receive and eat meals while they are still hot and without interruption, and it will also contribute towards reducing the risk of infection."
The consultation will end on Friday 14th December. Thereafter, patients, visitors, staff and the public will be informed of the decision before any changes are made.
A variety of methods will be used to ensure that all involved will have the option of feeding back their views. Five members of Raigmore Hospital's Patients' Council will speak to patients and visitors and information will be put out using the Patientline system, Hospital Radio and NHS Highland's website. There will also be discussions with key groups of staff as well as regular updates in the staff newsletter.
Further information and feedback forms will be available through ward staff but can also be picked up from the Main Reception desk at the entrance to Raigmore Hospital, or from the WRVS Point in the Outpatients Department. Details of the consultation will also be available on the NHS Highland website; posters will be on display throughout Raigmore Hospital, GP surgeries and other hospitals in our area and you can also contact our Public Involvement Team on 01463 704862.
