Hospitals considering longer visiting periods

Manor Hospital in Walsall and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton may consider introducing longer visiting periods

Two hospitals may consider introducing longer visiting periods, depending on the responses from a visitors' survey.

Surveys have been launched for friends and relatives of inpatients at the Manor Hospital in Walsall and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

The surveys are being carried out by the patient experience team, which works across Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

The team also hopes to encourage visitors to be seen as "partners in care" across the NHS trusts and is developing a "visitors' charter".

Garry Perry, associate director at Patient Voice for the two NHS Trusts, said: "Visiting loved ones and those you care about in a hospital setting is more than just a moment of comfort - it's a vital part of patient care.

“Your presence uplifts, reassures, and heals. By sharing your experiences through our visitor survey, you will help us to create a more compassionate and responsive environment for all.

"Your feedback will ensure that every visit continues to make a positive impact."

Mr Perry also said a group had been set up to focus on "this important area of healthcare".

The survey is now open and will run over the next two weeks at both sites.