Patients and Visitors

Updated Monday 23 August 2021:

Tighter visitor restrictions are now in place at St. Mary’s Hospital. This is due to a rise in positive COVID-19 patients being treated at St Mary’s, with further safety measures introduced to help protect patients, staff and the public.

There are some exceptions to these restrictions where one family member is permitted to visit, these are:

• a patient that is nearing end of life
• a child who is an inpatient on the Children’s Ward
• a birthing partner - for information visit the Maternity Services page

Visiting for the above exceptions should be agreed with the appropriate Ward Sister and proof of a negative lateral flow test will be expected.

If you want to get in touch with a family member who is an inpatient on any ward, please use our Message to Loved Ones service at: iownt.message-to-loved-ones@nhs.net

Outpatient Appointments

If you are attending an outpatient appointment, to maintain safe social distancing and reduce the risk of infection, we please ask that you attend your appointment alone. If you need to be accompanied, one carer is permitted in exceptional circumstances, but please discuss this with your care team beforehand. Any other relatives or friends will be required to wait outside of the hospital.

A face covering must be worn at all times. If you are exempt from wearing a face covering, then you are required to wear a face visor as an alternative.

Visiting the Emergency Department (A&E)

If you are attending one of our Emergency Departments, one carer is permitted to accompany a patient in exceptional circumstances. Please speak to staff on arrival for more information. Any other relatives or friends will be required to wait outside of the hospital.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, communities and staff across the organisation remain our absolute priority. Thank you for your continued support and understanding at this challenging time. We will review these arrangements on a regular basis.

Personal property

Family and friends will need to contact wards directly to arrange to drop patient property off at reception, so that ward staff can collect the items.

For infection control purposes, the only personal property that can be received into the organisation are:

• Mobile phones and chargers
• Tablet devices
• E-readers (e.g. Kindle)
• Nightwear
• Underwear
• Clothing for discharge.

Exceptions to this list will be made for items such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids and walking aids. 

To protect the most vulnerable people in our communities please continue to follow the latest national guidance on social distancing and self-isolation.