Introducing Open Visiting to Support Patients and Families

Open visiting will begin across hospitals at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust from 1 June 2026, giving patients greater flexibility to spend time with loved ones and welcoming children as visitors as part of a more family-centred approach to care.

Visitors will be welcome daily between 10:30am and 7:30pm.

Gill Hunt, Chief Nurse at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Introducing open visiting is an important step in supporting our patients to stay connected with the people who matter most to them. We know that spending time with family and friends plays a vital role in wellbeing and recovery.

“As part of this, we are pleased to welcome children as visitors during the open visiting hours where appropriate, recognising how important those family connections are. We do ask that children are always supervised, that visits are planned with ward teams where needed, and that no visitors visit if they are feeling unwell.

“While visiting is now more flexible, patient safety, dignity and the delivery of care will always remain our priority. There may be times when visitors are asked to step out briefly to allow for care or rest, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and support.

“We would like to thank our patients, families and communities for working with us to create a safe, respectful and compassionate environment across our hospitals.”

As part of the updated visiting policy, children are now encouraged to visit where appropriate, recognising the importance of maintaining family connections during hospital stays.

Children visiting

• Must be supervised at all times
• May require planning in some areas
• Should not visit if unwell

Visiting guidance

• Maximum of two visitors at a time
• Visiting may be paused in some circumstances
• Staff may adapt visiting arrangements based on patient needs
• Infection prevention measures must be followed

Visitors are asked to always follow staff guidance to help maintain a safe, respectful and compassionate environment for patients, families and staff.