Ward Visiting Times

Changes to visitor guidance across Sherwood Forest Hospital sites
Sherwood Forest Hospitals has reviewed its visitor guidance to allow more friends and family members to visit loved ones across the trust’s King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community Hospitals:​

• Two visitors can visit each patient between 11.30am and 7.30pm each day
• No visiting for COVID positive patients unless end of life or in compassionate circumstances
• ‘Open visiting’ for patients who are on end-of-life care, require a carer or have additional needs (such as a mental health condition or dementia)
• Birthing partners are permitted to attend through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care
• Parents are permitted to accompany children under the age of 18

Patients attending the Trust’s Emergency Department, Same Day Emergency Care and Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU) units are asked to attend alone to reduce overcrowding unless they are under 18 or require a carer.

The relaxation of guidance for visitors will be reviewed if Covid cases increase within either the trust’s sites or the local community.

The Trust’s staff appreciate the continued support and understanding of staff, patients and visitors as they continue to work hard throughout the pandemic.

We are continuing to ask patients, staff and visitors to wear facemasks in some areas of our hospitals to protect themselves and others from COVID.

Areas where you need to wear a facemask are clearly signposted with red ‘you are in a high-risk area’ posters (pictured left). Please also wear a facemask whenever you are asked to do so by a member of our hardworking team.

Facemasks continue to be made available in all areas of our hospitals for those who feel more comfortable wearing them. Please continue to treat everyone who chooses to wear a facemask with respect – whatever their reasons for doing so may be.

Respect for people during your visit

We are an inclusive employer and we are proud of our highly skilled colleagues, who have a range of diverse backgrounds. We also care for a diverse group of patients. We do not tolerate physical or verbal abuse or any form of discrimination towards our staff or patients. This includes, but is not limited to, racism, homophobia, anti-religion and sexism. We will robustly manage any such incidents and, where appropriate, will involve the police.

Visiting our Emergency Department, Emergency Assessment Unit and Same Day Emergency Care unit will not change. We are still asking people to attend alone unless they are under the age of 18 or require a carer. We are also asking people to undertake a lateral flow test before visiting our hospitals we may ask you to provide evidence of a negative test. We still request all visitors wear a mask when here, those who are exempt we may ask for evidence of exemption.

We will continue to review visiting guidance with our Infection Prevention and Control Team and visiting will be paused if we encounter an increase in Covid cases in our hospitals and the community.

Expand the sections below to view the current visiting policies.

Please note that we are doing everything that we can to protect patients, colleagues and the community against Coronavirus.

Read visit our Family Liaison Service site about how to keep in touch with family, friends and loved ones during your hospital stay.

People infected with COVID-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms (asymptomatic) and can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.

No Smoking on site

Please be aware that our Trust is a smoke free site, including in its open areas. This is not only for patient, visitor and colleague health, but also because like all hospitals, we work with a range of flammable and explosive materials and gases, including oxygen. Smoking is a major fire and explosion risk for our hospitals and puts all of us in danger, with vulnerable patients being most at risk. Please help to keep us and yourself safe by not smoking on our sites and by not bringing cigarettes and lighters with you.

You can find more information about our smokefree policy and support here.

What do I need to do if I am visiting? 

It is very important for the health and wellbeing of your loved one and our staff that you do not visit if you have been feeling unwell in any way. There is a checklist below to help you be sure about this. If you answer yes to any of the following, please do not visit the hospital. 

Symptom checklist before visiting a hospital:

• Are you feeling unwell?
• Do you have a new/continuous cough?
• Do you have a raised temperature?
• Do you have a sore throat?
• Have you had any sickness or diarrhoea within the last 48 hours?
• Do you have any new muscle aches or general feeling of weakness?
• Do you have a new feeling of tiredness?
• Do you have a headache or any cold symptoms (sneezing/blocked or runny nose)?
• Have you had any new breathlessness ?
• Any new loss of appetite or feeling sick?
• Any change to your mental status?
• Have you noticed a change to your normal sense of taste or smell?
• Are you self-isolating because you have been in contact with anyone suspected as having, or has tested positive for Coronavirus, in the past 14 days? 

In addition, you may be asked a series of questions by our ward staff – this is normal in the current situation and is intended to try and make sure that everyone stays safe. 

For all visits it is essential that you:

• Wear a surgical face mask whilst inside the hospital (these will be provided).
• Wash your hands on arrival at the hospital or use the hand sanitiser provided.
• Wash your hands again on arrival at the ward or department or use the hand sanitiser provided.
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitiser during the time you are in the department, especially if you touch anything or anyone.
• Maintain the recommended social distance wherever possible even if the person has previously been in your household or social bubble.
• If you cough or sneeze, make sure you follow good hygiene practice; cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a disposable tissue and then dispose of the tissue.
• Wash your hands.
• Wash your hands as you leave the ward or department, as you leave the hospital and when you arrive home.

Visiting our maternity department

If you have an appointment at our maternity department, please see our FAQs for maternity here.

Visiting the Emergency Department, EAU

If you visit our Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care Emergency Care Unit or Assessment Unit, please come alone unless you meet one of the below criteria:

• You need assistance with either mobility, hearing or sight, have learning disabilities or have mental health needs.
• One parent/carer may accompany children (under the age of 16).

Visiting Diagnostics and Outpatients

If you come in for an Outpatients appointment or diagnostic, to support us to maintain social distancing and the safety of our patients and staff please come alone unless it is essential that you have someone with you or have an accompanying carer.

We may also ask that relatives or carers wait outside the clinic/department.

Visiting Paediatrics, Ward 25 and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Only the parents or guardians of the patient will be allowed onto these wards. No other visitors will be allowed at this time.

Frequently asked questions 

What if my relative wants to hug or touch me?

One of the hardest aspects of the COVID-19 situation is the need for social distancing. Unfortunately, when someone comes into hospital you will need to maintain social distancing wherever possible even if the person has previously been in your household or part of your social bubble. This is because the risks of infection change and become much higher once someone comes into the hospital environment.

What if my relative wants to walk around with me or go to the hospital cafe?

At the current time, we would ask that you do not move around different areas of the hospital or try to visit other people in the hospital.

What if I don’t feel able to visit my relative?

Feeling anxious or nervous about coming into a hospital is a normal response to recent events. Speak to the care team if you are worried and they will be able to advise you.