New visiting hours for maternity wards
New visiting hours are being introduced for women in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's maternity wards from May 1 in order to give them more peace and quiet around mealtimes.
Large numbers of visitors calling at mealtimes on the maternity wards have made it difficult for ladies to have their meals, rest and feed their babies at breakfast, lunch and dinner times. The new visiting hours are designed to give women and babies protected rest time.
From May 1, the new visiting hours for Blakeney and Cley wards are:
- 10.30 to 12.30 – partners only
- 14.30 to 18.30 – all visitors
- 19.30 to 21.00 – partners only
The new visiting hours have been discussed and agreed with the Maternity Service Liaison Committee, a group made up of women who have used maternity services and healthcare professionals.
Head of Midwifery, Sue Marshall, said: “We completely understand people wanting to visit mums-to-be and new mums but it has been so busy with visitors, particularly around mealtimes, that we have had to re-think the visiting hours.
“It's very important that mothers and babies get rested, fed and recuperate, especially around mealtimes. That's why we're introducing these new visiting hours and we hope people will respect them.”