"Issues with open visiting"

On one hand I get that for many, the ability to drop in to hospital to visit a sick relative anytime you like, day or night is comforting, on the other it presents certain issues. 

1. Turning up a hospital and not allowed access to the ward due to various reasons; cleaning, patient care, physio, etc. In the old days of visiting hours, you could plan your day. I sat next to an old lady who took the bus to hospital to visit a relative. By the time the ward opened, it was almost time for  her to return home. 

2. There is never a moment of quietness  or a time for patients to rest and sleep as there is always something going on. 

3. Especially for rehab wards (like my mum’s who is recovering from a stroke) the patients NEED rest. The doctors told me so. But there is no time for the patients to sleep. 

4. I’m not an expert, but I think John’s campaign is for patients with dementia. So while this may be the correct approach for dementia, it is not for a stroke ward. 

I am all for access and appreciate being able to come visit mum. But surely my needs have to be balanced versus the needs of the patients. Actually, in my opinion the patients needs must come first, then those of the hospital staff, then comes us, the relatives. 

I’ll close with a story from last night on the ward next to my mum’s. It’s late, time for quiet. Patients are wanting to sleep. However some visitors found it appropriate to start singing.