Child visiting

• The process starts when the patient asks to see the child/young person
• The person with parental responsibility for the child must agree to the contact
• The patient's clinical team has to agree to the request
• The local Children's Social Care Service will assess the child's best interests and submit a report to the Hospital. If the assessment does not agree that it is in the child's best interests to visit, then it cannot go ahead
• The child must be accompanied by their parent/guardian or an adult nominated by the parent/guardian

The patient will submit a written request. The clinical team will help him/her to do this.

• If supported by the clinical team, the child's parent/guardian will be contacted for their views
• Social Services will be contacted for their views
• A social worker will visit the parents and talk to the child
• All reports are sent to the nominated officer, who convenes a meeting where a panel will consider everyone's views and thoughts
• If the nominated officer agrees to the visits, you will be informed by letter
• The visit can now be arranged. You must contact the Family and Volunteer Support Service, at least five days in advance
• If the patient becomes unwell, these visits may be postponed or stopped for a while

• All child visits take place in the Child Visiting Suite
• The Child Visiting Suite is a short walk into the Hospital. It is fully equipped with children in mind.

If you have any questions about a child visiting the Hospital, please contact your social worker or phone the Family and Volunteer Support Service.