This is being done to try and improve the efficiency of ward rounds and patient care by increasing the amount of time doctors and nurses can spend with patients while also making visiting more convenient for family members and, hopefully, reducing the amount of time patients have to remain in hospital.
The changes are to be piloted on Cunliffe Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Ward 10 at Glan Clwyd Hospital and Hebog Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd. The initial trial will run for two months, starting on the 1st August.
From that date early afternoon visiting will be brought forward, to start at 1pm. Some relatives may also like to come in at lunchtime to help patients who have difficulty feeding themselves, or to bring in special meals. These visitors will be able to come onto the wards from around 12:15pm, and will then be able to stay on for the afternoon visiting until 2pm.
Assistant Director of Nursing Reena Cartmell said:
“This change will give hospital staff a longer period during the afternoon to see and assess patients and provide therapy and treatment, and with more privacy than when there are visitors on the ward. It will also allow medical and nursing staff to carry out ward rounds together so there is more opportunity to discuss each patient’s care.
“We also hope the move will also be popular with family members, giving people at work more opportunity to visit relatives during their lunch hour.”
This pilot is part of a number of different ways we are looking at to improve patient care on the wards, reduce the amount of time people spend in hospital and reduce the risks of complications which can arise during a hospital stay.
While the trial is underway, patients and relatives will be asked for their views on the new times; we will also be measuring what benefits it brings to the running of the wards and patients’ treatment before deciding whether to extend the new times to other wards.
Pat Billingham, Chief Officer of the Betsi Cadwaladr Community Health Council said:
“The Community Health Council (CHC) welcomes the pilot which demonstrates that the Health Board and its staff have listened to and considered patients, their needs as well as the needs of their families and carers.
“We are pleased that there will be flexibility for families and carers to visit and support their loved ones. The dedicated contact time for health professionals on the wards will mean less disruption for patients and help to address many of the issues related to dignity and care.
“The CHC looks forward to working with the Health Board in monitoring the feedback from patients and relatives during the pilot”.
ENDS