Visiting our hospitals

From Monday 17 May 2021, visiting will be open for patients across the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust who have stayed on any adult hospital ward for longer than seven days (including if they transfer to one of our hospitals).

Visits will be limited to three per week and each patient will initially have one designated visitor. This is to protect patients, visitors and staff during the ongoing pandemic. 

Visiting to the Trust's hospital sites has been permitted throughout the pandemic in the following circumstances:  

• The patient is receiving end-of-life care
• Pregnant women are allowed to have 1 partner with them throughout induction/labour and whilst attending their 20 week scan
• 1 parent/carer is allowed to stay with their child or baby throughout their time in hospital
• The visitor is supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability, autism, or something where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed. For patients with dementia, John’s campaign is available for one family member/carer to visit and support the patient as needed

To ensure large groups of visitors are not arriving at the hospitals at the same time, and to enable social distancing guidance to be followed, wards are offering staggered visiting times. To find out more about visiting times on each ward and to organise a visit, please ring the ward your loved one is staying in or the main hospital switchboard (01539 732288) to be transferred to the appropriate ward/department.

The ward clerk will directly book visitor requests. Bookings will be taken between the hours of 10am - 12pm Monday to Friday. Patients will only be allowed one designated visitor and only one booking at a time can be made, other than on a Friday when arrangements for the weekend and following Monday can be made.

Visitors will be advised to complete Lateral Flow Tests (ordered through the national government system) and complete twice weekly testing during weeks that they are visiting their loved ones. 

Visitors are required to wear surgical masks, unless exempt, at all times while in hospital and regularly wash their hands or use hand sanitiser - especially on arrival and leaving the ward areas.  

You should not visit any health or care setting if you are unwell, especially if you have a high temperature; a new, persistent cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste. If you do feel unwell, please use the NHS 111 online service for advice.