Changes to patient visiting at Croydon University Hospital
As an NHS Trust providing care to hundreds of thousands of people in Croydon, it is our priority to keep our patients and our staff as safe as possible.
As a result of an increasing number of cases of Norovirus in both the hospital and our local community, we will be reducing the Trust’s visiting hours in order to protect patients currently receiving care.
Wherever possible, we would encourage family and friends to contact their loved ones when in hospital by telephone or video call instead.
If you are planning to visit a patient, please be aware that until further notice, the following visiting arrangements will apply at Croydon University Hospital:
Affected wards
- In ward areas with affected patients, visiting will be restricted until further notice. However, our clinical staff will always do their best to accommodate visits to patients who are critically ill or nearing the end of their life. In these circumstances, visiting should be discussed with the nurse in charge.
Other adult inpatient area
- Each patient may have one visitor only and this will need to be one consistent visitor throughout the patient’s hospital stay. Ward leaders will use their discretion in certain cases
Paediatric patients (children)
- One parent or guardian will be able to stay with their child overnight while in hospital. Visiting times for parents and guardians who are not staying overnight will be between 2-4pm and 6pm-8pm only.
Neonatal (Special Care Baby Unit)
- For any babies receiving care in our neonatal unit, two parents or guardians are permitted to visit their child at all times, together or separately.
Maternity (Labour Ward, Lucina Birth Centre)
- Women are welcome to bring their birthing partners to stay with them at all times during their labour
Infection prevention and control guidance
If you do need to visit friends and family in hospital, you will need to:
- Wash your hands: You must wash your hands, regularly with soap and water or the hand gel provided, especially before and after you leave a ward
- Ensure you are well: Do not visit hospitals or your GP if you have symptoms of norovirus, including a sudden onset of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and if symptoms worsen, call NHS 111 or your GP for advice.
- Take a break: If you have had diarrhoea or vomiting you should stay at home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped before coming to the hospital, to reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.