Hospitals in the North Cumbria Integrated Care trust will have new visiting hours.

From tomorrow, Friday, August 1, all of the hospital wards will have open visiting hours from 1pm to 8pm (13:00-20:00) every day.

This means more flexibility for families and friends to visit their loved ones across Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital, and the community hospitals.

Interim Chief Nurse, Hilda Gwilliams, said: “Understanding the NCIC visiting times is essential for anyone planning to visit a loved one.

“The importance of support from family members and loved ones for people in hospital cannot be overstated, bringing comfort to both the person in hospital and their family.

“We welcome, encourage and support people to stay connected to those who matter most in their lives, while they are in hospital.

“We know that this support has a positive effect on nutrition, healing, recovery, and overall quality of care.

“By introducing open visiting hours, we’re making it easier for people to spend time with their loved ones and be more involved in their care.”

Hilda Gwilliams carried on to explain the change saying: “Afternoon visiting hours are often preferred in hospitals because they allow for a more peaceful and less disruptive environment for patients recovering from procedures and illnesses.

“Doctors’ rounds and other medical procedures are typically completed in the morning, freeing up the afternoon for more relaxed interactions between patients and their visitors.

“Patients can get tired very quickly and we ask that this be respected to aid their recovery. For this reason, the number of visitors each patient is allowed is usually restricted to no more than 2 people at any one time.

“I think the move to open visiting will make a big difference to the wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones.”

Find out more on the NCIC website here