Alexandra Ward

Alexandra ward is on Level 1 of North Devon District Hospital.

Visiting times for Alexandra Ward

Visiting patients and appointment restrictions during COVID-19

Visiting is still limited at NDDH and South Molton to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Our staff can support patients and their families to stay in contact by using other methods such as video calls, letter printing etc instead, where possible. Please contact our patient experience team for more information at ndht.patientexperience@nhs.net

From Monday 12 April, visiting is only allowed as follows:

  • Adult inpatients may have one named visitor who may visit for one hour between 11am and 7 pm each day, for the duration of the inpatient stay. Appointments to visit must be booked in advance by contacting the appropriate ward at least one day prior to visiting.
  • If there are specific reasons of safety – Dementia or learning disability where anxiety would be increased significantly.
  • Inpatients under the age of 18 years old – One parent/guardian only (both parents are permitted in the special care baby unit). When social distancing can be safely maintained, for example at quiet times, both parents/guardians may be able to visit – this is at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
  • At outpatient and diagnostic appointments where a patient may need emotional support they can be accompanied by one person from the same household or support bubble.
  • Admission areas e.g. ED/MAU/SAU will have the discretion to allow one person to accompany the patient to ensure the correct patient history etc is obtained.
  • A patient receiving end-of-life care can be supported by up to four named visitors from the same household or support bubble.

NDHT maternity visiting and appointment restrictions

  • One support person can accompany pregnant women to any scans, hospital antenatal consultant appointments, and day assessment unit appointments. The support person must remain outside the Ladywell Unit until called in.
  • Community midwifery antenatal and postnatal appointments – please continue to attend alone
  • If a woman is being cared for in Labour Ward, they can have one support person with them.
  • If a woman is being induced, they can have a support person with them between the hours of 9am to 8pm – our staff will continue to contact partners and ask them to attend the unit if, due to pain or distress, support is required outside of these times.
  • One support person may make an appointment with ward staff to visit Bassett Ward during the hours of 9am-8pm. This nominated support person should be the only person who visits throughout the inpatient stay. Please note that children cannot visit at this time.

If you have any specific concerns about your maternity care, please speak to your midwife.

Please remember

Do not visit if you or someone in your household has symptoms of Coronavirus.

  • a new, persistent cough
  • a high temperature (37.8 degrees centigrade or higher)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

People should also avoid travelling where possible, and should not travel to or from areas that have been categorised in the very high alert level.

Practical advice when visiting someone in hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

We understand how important visiting loved ones in hospital is but we know that some can feel anxious about coming into the hospital at the current time.

Below is some practical advice to prepare for your visit and what to consider when you are visiting:

  • When you book a visiting appointment our staff will advise you on what to expect when you attend the hospital, what to do on arrival, how long the visiting appointment is and what to do when it is time to leave.
  • Please bring as few personal belongings as possible with you e.g. bags, handbags, electronic devices, gifts and food for the patient.
  • Visitors should remove outer clothing e.g. coat or jacket; sleeves should be rolled up and hands cleaned.
  • In addition to wearing a face covering some visitors may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff will guide and support you if this is the case.
  • Please do not remove your face covering at any time when visiting, for example to kiss relatives.
  • Adequate social distance must be maintained at all times and in all areas of the hospital.
  • We recommend going to the toilet and having had a small drink before visiting to help avoid the need to remove face coverings (or PPE) and put it back on during the visit.
  • Visitors do not need to self-isolate following the visit as by performing hand hygiene and where required wearing PPE they are unlikely to present a risk to those they encounter.
  • Our staff are available to provide any support or comfort during or after the visit, we know this is a difficult time for many people.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Alternatives to visiting

Video calling

If the patient does not have their own device, we can facilitate a call to friends and family in place of a visit. Please speak with the nurse in charge who will be able to arrange this for you. Please note – calls have to be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

Ready to start your arranged video visit?

All you need to do is select the ward below.

Select a ward (please do not enter a waiting room unless you have pre-booked an appointment):

Emailing

If you would like to send letters, drawings or cards to your loved one you can email them to ndht.patientexperience@nhs.net placing “PATIENT COMMUNICATION” in the subject line and adding the patient’s details to the email. Attachments will be printed and delivered to the patient.

We realise that these times can be distressing for patients and their loved ones, and we are sorry that we must restrict visits to hospital to protect patients and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Thank you for your support and understanding

Correct at April 9, 2021

 

Alexandra Ward Manager/Sister

Jayne Gammon

Ward phone number

01271 311712

Last updated: October 27, 2020