A policy of open visiting which was introduced across all Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust hospitals earlier this year is proving a hit with patients and carers.

Now the Trust, which runs Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital, is seeking formal feedback from patients, carers and staff on the success of open visiting. The policy was introduced across all three sites on April 1 to help aid recovery for patients and provide a more positive experience for relatives and staff.

The Trust is this month holding focus groups with staff to get their thoughts on the impact of open visiting and over the coming weeks we will be seeking formal feedback from patients, carers and visitors through questionnaires.

Deputy chief nurse Julie Tunney (pictured)  said: “The feedback we are getting on the ground from patients and relatives has been good but it is important now that we formalise this and get a broad spectrum of views so we can get a true reflection of the impact open visiting has had.”

Initial signs have been encouraging and the Trust is delighted that all three of its hospitals have now been recognised by John’s Campaign as being welcoming to carers. This is directly as a result of the introduction of the open visiting policy which has given carers the opportunity to spend more time and be more involved in the care of their loved one.

John’s Campaign was launched in November 2014 after the death of Dr John Gerrard with the aim give the carers of those living with dementia the right to stay with them in hospital, in the same way that parents stay with their sick children. This is a view echoed by Julie and by the Trust’s aim to make its hospitals more dementia friendly.

Julie said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by John’s Campaign as making our hospital’s welcoming to carers is a major driving force behind the introduction of open visiting across all our hospitals.

“It is widely believed that support from friends, family or carers can have a positive impact on a patient’s recovery and this is particularly true for patients with dementia. Open visiting gives the opportunity for carers to remain with their loved one, and where appropriate, be actively involved in their care during what can be a stressful and confusing time.”

One person who has seen first-hand the benefit of having an open visiting policy at the Trust is Gareth Shaw, ward manager on Ward 11 at Good Hope Hospital which cares for elderly patients, including those suffering with dementia.

He said: “Having open visiting means relatives can spend quality time with their loved ones and not just have restricted two-hour periods. They can also see first-hand that the team is providing the best standards of care and they can get to know the members of staff that are caring for their loved one.

“For the staff it has also meant that they are not getting lots of questions all at once during a two-hour spell rather having conversations with relatives throughout the day so they are able to achieve their working objectives more efficiently.

“We have seen a big decrease in complaints as relatives feel more involved in their family members’ care and have a greater understanding of their care plans. Also any small issues can be resolved more quickly. It has been a huge improvement.”