Hospital visiting times in Preston and Chorley are being relaxed for family and carers

The changes, brought in by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals at Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District Hospital, will allow patients’ family and carers to visit from 10am to 8pm everyday instead of the current twice-a-day 90 to 120 minute visiting slots in afternoons and evenings.

The move, starting on Monday, April 23, brings visitation policy in the hospitals in line with its maternity and children’s services wards.

Deputy director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Sarah Cullen, said: “We know that many people have work and other commitments which can make it difficult to get to hospital during the official visiting hours.

“Carers are already invited through our carers charter to continue to be present and involved in care whilst their loved one is in hospital.

“It will be important to talk to our patients and understand the rest they would like in between visiting and tailor visiting according to our patient’s needs.

“We hope this will improve our patients and visitors experience.”