Accessing the hospital out of hours

There may be times when you need to leave or attend the hospital during out of hours - for example, during the night, in the early hours of the morning, or if you need to return home briefly to rest, wash, or collect belongings.

Please speak with the ward team before leaving or attending. They will explain the correct access route to ensure you do not need to go through the Emergency Department.

A clear process for relatives

A clear process is in place to support relatives attending out of hours. This includes:

• A designated route for relatives, separate from the Emergency Department
• Security staff available to assist you at the entrance
• Ward staff providing access guidance, so you know exactly how to reach the ward

These arrangements are in place to help you reach your loved one safely and with dignity, at any hour of the day or night.

Visiting outside of standard hours

We recognise that being present matters, sometimes more than anything else - when someone you love is nearing the end of life. In line with the national principles of John's Campaign, we want family and carers to be able to be with their loved one when it matters most, not restricted by standard visiting hours.

If your loved one's condition means you may wish to be present at unusual hours, please discuss this directly with the nurse in charge - arrangements can usually be made to support this.