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Hospital to cut down on visiting hours
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After having allowed extended visiting hours at St Bernard's Hospital, they have suddenly realised this is not in the best interests of the patients.
The Gibraltar Health Authority said: " Evidence has shown that the constant stream of visitors and the length of the visits over a very lengthy part of the day are not conducive to good management of patient care."
They say that the decision has been taken "following a lengthy consultation exercise with nursing staff, patients and visitors."
The GHA adds that this will be on a trial basis, beginning on 2 March. They do not say when the trial period will end.
They insist that "This decision has been taken only in the best interest of patients. It does not help acutely ill patients recuperate and does not allow patients to rest properly."
It was in 2005 that the GHA introduced extended visiting hours with a view to giving visitors a wider choice and more flexibility as to the choice of time for the visit.
But the GHA says there is, however, a general perception amongst visitors, that because hours have been extended, the length of the visit must be extended as well, with many relatives feeling an obligation to accompany the patient for the whole duration of the visiting time.
When the changes come into force, thre will be different times for different wards.
Captain Murchison Ward, Dudley Toomey Ward, John Ward, and Victoria Ward visiting hours will be from 5.45pm to 7.45pm daily.
As used to be the case before the 2005 changes, visiting outside these times will be allowed at the discretion of the Sister/Charge Nurse of each ward.
Visiting times for ITU, Rainbow Ward and Emily Mackintosh Ward remain unchanged.
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