We know how important it is for patients and visitors to see their loved ones and so, following publication of updated guidance from NHS England, we’re pleased that since April 2021 we’ve been able to welcome patients back to Lister Hospital in Stevenage.
Despite the easing of restrictions from 19 July, to protect our vulnerable patients and to keep our staff safe, we must continue to ensure visiting is done in a safe way.
If the prevalence of cases continues to increase either locally and/or nationally, we may be required to review our patient visiting policies.
This page explains the steps you should take to arrange for one visitor to see their loved one who is an inpatient at Lister Hospital for a one-hour visit. For the safety of our patients and staff, that one visitor must be the same person for every visit.
After the 19 July easing of restrictions, you must continue to follow these steps and book a visit with your loved one.
As only one person is able to visit each of our patients for the whole time they are admitted, please discuss who the named person should be with the patient and the rest of their loved ones.
Arranging your visit
- Find the name of the ward where your loved one is staying using the list below. Click on the link and complete the booking form.
- When your booking is complete, you will receive a text message to your nominated mobile number which will confirm the date and time of your appointment and the name of the ward you will be visiting.
- Print and complete a risk assessment which will help us ensure we keep you, our patients and staff safe. You will need to bring a completed copy of the risk assessment with you each time you visit.
If you don’t have access to a printer, staff on the ward will have copies you can complete. However, we would encourage you to print the form yourself where possible as this will ensure your visit can start on time.
Rapid lateral flow testing before your visit
We recommend that those visitors who don’t show any symptoms of coronavirus, take a rapid lateral flow test twice a week for the period that they are visiting their loved one and confirm on the risk assessment that they have received a negative result. You can order your free lateral flow testing kit by visiting the UK Government website.
If you have a positive result from the lateral flow test or you start showing symptoms of coronavirus, you must not visit your loved one in hospital and should book a PCR test by visiting the UK Government website.
When you arrive at the hospital
You will be asked to sanitise your hands and wear a mask when you arrive at one of the doors to the hospital. Please arrive at the ward five minutes before the start of your appointment to allow time to sign in, hand in your completed risk assessment and put on your PPE.
When you arrive at the ward, you will need to report to the person in charge.
From there, you should:
- Remove your coat and roll up your sleeves.
- Put your belongings into the grey bags provided, but keep this with you.
- Hand your completed risk assessment to a member of staff at the nurse station located at the entrance to the ward.
- A member of the team will show you how to use the PPE required and can answer any questions.
- Only visit your loved one for the allocated hour slot, to ensure other visitors are allowed on the ward.
At the end of your visit
Please dispose of your PPE in the yellow clinical waste bins which are available on the wards, wash your hands in the wash basin within each bay and make sure you sign out at the entrance to the ward.
The wards which are welcoming visitors
The list below shows which wards are currently welcoming visitors. If you click on the relevant ward name, you will be taken to a separate page to book a day and time for your visit.
Please note: wards may be added or removed from this list and your visit may be cancelled at short notice. If you don’t see the ward where your loved one is staying listed below, you can book a virtual visit. If your loved one has COVID-19, please don’t book a virtual visit online but instead contact the ward by calling the hospital switchboard on 01438 314333 and asking to be put through to the ward.
- 5A North
- 5A South
- 5B North
- 5B South
- 6A North
- 6A South
- 6B North
- 6B South
- 7A North
- 7A South
- 7B North
- 7B South
- 8A North
- 8A South
- 8B North
- 8B South
- 9A North
- 9A South
- 9B North
- 9B South
- 10A North
- 10B North
- 10B South
- 11A North and South
- ACU
- Ashwell
- Barley
- Pirton
- Swift A
- Swift B
Frequently asked questions
- Is there visiting on the Dacre (antenatal) and Gloucester (postnatal) wards at Lister’s maternity unit?
Yes, but this is for one nominated birth partner only who cannot be swapped for someone else. Staff will assist in booking the nominated birth partner in for a one-hour visiting slot at the time of admission to the Dacre ward or transfer to the Gloucester ward following birth – this could be the same day if there is a booking slot available.
For more information please read the COVID-19 maternity restrictions page of our website.
2. What do I do if I need carer support in order to visit my loved one in hospital?
If you need a carer to support you with your visit, please contact the ward to discuss your requirements. You can do this by calling the hospital switchboard on 01438 314333 and asking to be put through to the ward.
3. What do you do with the information on the risk assessment?
The risk assessment is discussed with the ward nurse on arrival to the ward. The nurse will read through your answers and discuss with you any concerns. The risk assessment will be held on the ward and your data will be stored in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.
4. What happens if I don’t want to complete a risk assessment?
We are asking all visitors to complete the risk assessment in accordance with UK Government guidelines. If the risk assessment identified any risk factors, we’d like to ensure you’re aware of what this could mean for your safety. If you refuse to complete the risk assessment, we will not be able to allow your visit to go ahead.
5. Can I bring my loved one any gifts, food or items from home?
You can bring small amounts of sealed snacks, but please don’t bring in any cooked food.
You are also welcome to bring in any personal items that the person would like to have with them. However, valuable items such as jewellery should be left at home if at all possible.
Fresh flowers are unfortunately not allowed due to infection prevention reasons.
6. Are you still running virtual visits?
If you’re unable to visit the hospital, you can organise a virtual visit. Please go to our online booking service to book your virtual visit.
7. How do I get support with my booking or find out more information?
If you would like any support with booking your face-to-face or virtual visit, please contact the Keeping in Touch team by calling 0333 332 5520 (9.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday). Outside of these times, please contact the hospital switchboard by calling 01438 314333 and asking to be put through to the ward where your loved one is staying.
If you have further questions, please contact our Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) on 01438 285811 or by email. The PALS is open from 8.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
