Visiting A Patient
If you want to know how somebody is when they are staying in hospital, it would be helpful if one person could telephone for all the patient's friends and family. It is best if they telephone after 9.30am when the Consultant has visited the ward.
Visitors are very welcome. Visiting time on Wards 1 and 3 and the maternity department at the Gilbert Bain Hospital is between 3pm and 8pm (except for the very ill who can have visitors at any time). Patients on Ronas ward can also have visitors at any time.
Animals are not allowed in the hospital, apart from guide dogs, other support animals or registered therapeutic pets.
Since March 2006 it has been illegal to smoke in public places in Scotland. Smoking is not permitted at any time either within the hospital or its grounds.
NHS Shetland operates a managed mealtime policy, which means that at mealtimes all non-essential work stops to allow patients to enjoy their food. Visiting is discouraged at mealtimes unless you are coming to help or encourage a patient to eat.
Bringing food into hospital
We have a duty to ensure that any additional foods brought into the hospital are suitable for patients and do not cause them any harm. This will help to prevent or reduce the risk of infection, food poisoning, allergic reactions or interaction with prescribed medications.
Any food that you bring in must be suited to the patient's dietary needs; please check with the staff if you are not sure.
Foods which are suitable to bring into hospital are generally foods which do not need to be refrigerated or reheated.
Items that are acceptable are:
- fresh fruit
- bottled or canned (non-alcoholic) drinks
- Pre-wrapped cakes or biscuits
Foods NOT suitable to be brought into hospital are any item of food that needs to be heated or refrigerated such as:
- pies, pasties, sausage rolls
- takeaway meals
- cheese
- eggs, scotch eggs etc.
Sugary and fatty foods should be eaten only in small amounts. To prevent tooth decay, sugary foods and drink should be consumed as part of a meal and avoided between meals.
Facilities for overnight accommodation
In special circumstances overnight accommodation may be provided for relatives or friends. Please discuss your requirements with the nurse in charge of the ward.
