Skip to main content

Accompanying Patients to Scheduled Healthcare Appointments

Friday 24th September 2021

 

It may be necessary for visitors to accompany patients/service users to scheduled appointments in our healthcare setting. This may be supported in the following situations, further exceptions may be made following discussion with the relevant department:

 

 

  • Individuals with a mental health issue, dementia, a learning disability or autism, where not being accompanied would cause the patient/service user to be distressed. Where possible, visits for such service users should be considered on an individual basis in light of the patient’s/service user’s needs, care plan and in consultation with their support staff or carer.

 

  • Individuals with cognitive impairment who may be unable to recall health advice provided.

 

  • Where the treatment/procedure is likely to cause the patient distress and the visitor can provide support.

 

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Appointment letters will provide advice and contact details for visitors to request approval to accompany patients (where appropriate). The letters will include advice on:

 

 

  • The need to adhere to social/physical distancing as well as hand hygiene and infection control precautions on arriving and leaving the appointment.

 

  • Our staff will be following the Hands, Face, Space guidance, and we request that you do likewise. As such, please ensure you wear a surgical mask when you come to the hospital - if you do not have a mask, then one will be provided when you arrive.

 

  • All of our staff will be wearing the relevant level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) depending on where you are in the hospital, and whether you are an outpatient or inpatient.