Visiting and appointments

Last updated: 21st July 2023

Over time we see changes in infections that present in the community, face masks and hand sanitiser are available at the entrances to all our sites and we would encourage visitors to access these. Staff will instruct visitors if there is a specific requirement to wear a face mask whilst in our building (unless exempt) to help keep our patients and staff safe.

If you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the 48 hours before visiting or are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, flu or feel unwell please contact the service you were due to see as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Appointments

Due to changing risks, consultations and appointments may be run differently. If you have a clinical need for a face to face appointment, every effort will be made to accommodate this. This may require us to carry out a risk assessment prior to your appointment and to ask that infection control measures, such as wearing a face mask are adhered to while you are with us. It is important that every effort is made to keep you, our staff and other members of our community safe and to minimise the risk of infection.

Face masks and hand sanitiser are available at the entrances to all our sites.

If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, flu or feel unwell, please contact the service you were due to see as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

If you're unsure who to contact please speak to our Patient Relations Team for advice - 01905 681517.

Visitor guidance

We recognise the huge benefits visiting has for our patients and thank you for your support with the following measures which will help keep you, our patients and staff safe.

Please do not visit our wards or recovery units if you're showing any symptoms of COVID-19, flu, feel unwell or have had sickness or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours. Please speak to the ward manager who will help you arrange a virtual visit.

Visiting arrangements vary across our organisation. Please liaise with the ward you are visiting for their visiting guidance.

Advice for patients, carers and families

We want you to know that NHS services, including mental health and learning disability services, are still very much open and here to support you. For more information and guidance on accessing our services, visit the advice for patients and service users with a learning disability, autism, dementia or a mental health condition webpage.

Mental health support

In time such as these it is normal to experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, low mood or depression. But don’t worry it’s common and you’re not alone.

You can now also access dedicated SilverCloud online therapy modules to help reduce stress, anxiety and increase resilience as a result of COVID-19.

Note: you will need to enter one of the following PINs: HEREFORDSHIRE or WORCESTERSHIRE to access the modules.

Below are a selection of useful links, tips and resources to help maintain your mental wellbeing.

Support websites:

Guides: