Black Country Hospitals Implement Extended Visiting Hours

Visiting hours have been expanded at two hospitals located in the Black Country region. Patients at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and Manor Hospital in Walsall are now permitted to have two visitors at a time, with visiting hours set from 11:00 to 20:00. This decision, made by both the Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts, was met with “overwhelming” positive feedback from family members, friends, and carers. The updated visiting policy does not, however, extend to specialist wards such as maternity, neonatal, paediatrics, and intensive care. The trust clarified that these specific areas maintain distinct visiting schedules tailored to their unique requirements. Garry Perry, the associate director for patient voice for the trusts, stated: “Patients’ friends, families and carers can play a vital role in aiding their recovering, whether it’s through providing company, encouraging people to keep up their food and fluid intake or offering wider support for those living with dementia for example.” He further requested: “We just ask that visitors are limited to two per bedside at any time and respect others’ privacy as well as continue working with us to minimise infection risk and maintain calm, caring areas for our patients.”