Visiting with Care: Essential Etiquette for Hospital Visits
Visiting a friend or a close relative at the hospital is a very kind gesture and conveys how much the well-being of the individual means to you. However, you still need to follow a few simple rules before you arrive at the hospital.
Firstly, check if the patient and the
family are OK to meet visitors or they prefer meeting people at a later date or
another place other than the hospital.
· Find out the visiting hours and how many people can be allowed to meet at the same time.
· It’s advisable not to hang around in the hospital for hours, usually a 15-20 min visit is good enough, unless you are a really close relative who is going to help out.
· You can still offer to help out. Any help big or small is always appreciated when times are crucial.
· Keep the conversations light and positive, pertaining to the patient’s illness. Your purpose of the visit is to wish them well and give them hope. Do not scare them or give them false hopes, sure enough they are petrified already and you don’t need to be a doctor yourself.
· Follow the volume control policy – Be it your cell phones or yourself. Silence and low volume are a must at any hospital.
· Kids- It’s best not to bring kids along, as they can out of hand and their immunity can also be compromised in a medicated environment.
· Hospital is a very sterile area; ensure you sanitize your hands,wear clean clothes and avoid contact with the patient.
· Do not smoke or consume alcohol prior to visiting.
· It’s fine to carry a small bouquet (Preferable yellow or white flowers) unless the patient is allergic. A nice get well soon card can also do the trick.
