Royal College of Nursing calls for longer visiting hours
Thursday 29th September 2011
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called for longer hospital visiting hours, saying that the move would improve patients' experience.
Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said that "real benefits" were reaped by patients whose family members helped with their care.
However, he underlined that he was not asking family members to carry out jobs nurses are employed to do.
He called for more flexibility in visiting hours, which would allow friends and family to help make patients more comfortable in the hospital.
"We know that there are real benefits for patients where relatives can get involved in care, if that is what both the patient and family want," he said.
"We know from areas such as children's care that having familiar people involved at mealtimes for example can make hospital stays in particular less stressful for all concerned."
However, Dr Carter added, the college is not suggesting that patients' families be compelled to complete any tasks.
Chief Nursing Office Christine Beasley responded to this call for extended hours, saying that carers and relatives must be an addition to NHS care, not instead of it.
However, she did admit that family can do "amazing work", adding that nurses "welcome and value their help".
Ms Beasley continued that nurses should dedicate their time to caring for patients.
As part of this, the way wards are run should be looked at.
'I expect all hospitals to ensure that they are providing safe, high quality nursing care because this must be at the heart of the NHS,' said the officer.
This follows research published in the International Journal of Nursing which found that while nurses can have a significant influence on their patients, many may not be positive role models when it comes to leading an active life.
Written by James Puckle
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