Mackay Base Hospital is trialling flexible visiting hours to see if this allows families and carers of patients to be more involved in their care.
Chief Executive Jo Whitehead said the four-month trial started at the beginning of the month and meant visitors could access most areas of the hospital between 8am and 8pm.
There are some exceptions including the Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Care Unit, Mental Health and the Rehabilitation ward.
Ms Whitehead said flexible visiting hours could be comforting g for patients and reassuring for visitors.
“Visitors are an important source of support to both the patient and our healthcare teams.
“Patients often recover quicker when they have the support of their family, friends and carers when they are in hospital.
“There are more chances for staff to give them crucial care instructions they’ll need to follow after their loved one is discharged,” she said.
Ms Whitehead said that it was also important to remember that many patients needed rest too recover.
Some wards also have set rest times when the lights are dimmed and visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum.
“Many complex processes and procedures can happen during a hospital stay and there may be times when visitors are asked to leave them room while care is being provided,” she said.
Some wards/units may also limit visitors to two people at a time and immediate family for short periods of time.
If you are unsure about the best time for visiting, we encourage you to talk directly to staff on the ward.
To provide feedback about our visiting hours please contact the Community Engagement Team at mhhsengagement@health.qld.gov.au or phone 4885 6819.
