- Check visiting hours and restrictions. Call the receptionist or visit the hospital’s website to find out.
- Do not visit a patient if you are sick. Colds and flu are not welcome at any hospital.
- If possible, leave your children at home. Sometimes kids get bored, they misbehave and can become a source of stress for patients. If you have to take them with you, explain the situation beforehand and ask them to behave.
- Go to the nurse’s station to check the patient’s room number (you should have it in advance) and the status of the patient (they might be sleeping or talking with a doctor at the time).
- What about a small gift? Magazines, books, music, DVDs to watch on a laptop or even slippers might be a great gift. It is important to find out the patient’s condition first, though – if the doctor recommended total repose, an action movie is not a good idea – and the hospital may not allow such items as radios, DVD players, or laptops.
- If you are not a member of the family, do not ask nurses or doctors about the patient’s condition. Ask the family, or even the patient.
- Be polite with other patients. Speak quietly; leave the room when the visiting time ends. Avoid perfumes and wear antiperspirant.