by Rachel Wood

Created on: April 01, 2009

A hospital isn't somewhere that most of us would choose to be but at one time or another we are going to have to visit a friend or family member who has been admitted. When visiting a patient you should always be respectful and considerate. Below are some "rules" of hospital etiquette:

You should always be quiet in a hospital. People are trying to rest so whether you are in the ward or walking around, talk in a low voice and try to disturb others as little as possible. If you have young children, ensure that they understand this as well. If they can't behave, it's best to leave them at home.

A lot of hospitals now have hand washes located outside the entrance to the wards. It is there to help prevent the spread of infections so before you go in, use some. It only takes a minute. It's amazing how many people do not bother.

Is the patient well enough to receive visitors? If they are then do not stay for too long. Being in hospital can be very tiring so it is best not to overstay your welcome.

If you are not feeling well yourself, then stay at home rather than risk infecting an already sick person. Passing on your cold or stomach upset to them will just make the recovery time longer.

Check the rules for mobile phone usage in hospitals. I always thought that they couldn't be used but when I visited a hospital recently patients were allowed to text and make calls on their phones. Before giving your friend or relative their mobile, make sure that they are allowed it. If you are visiting have your phone on silent. If it does ring step outside to answer it.

Respect the nurses and doctors. During your visit they may have to administer drugs or take a blood sample. If they need to carry out any procedure, leave the room and allow them to do it in peace. Always be polite to the staff. They have a hard enough job as it is without visitors being rude as well.

Flowers are a popular gift but make sure the patient isn't allergic before you hand them over! Try to remember to place them in a vase rather than just giving them as they are in case the nurses have nothing to store them in. Don't choose really excessive bouquets which take over the bedside table.

Find out what the hospital visiting hours are and stick to them if at all possible. If due to other circumstances you really cannot come at those times, speak to the nurses. You may be able to visit "out of hours" in which case you should be even more considerate of the patients and staff.

We all know what the role of a hospital is and what important places they are. The people in them are recovering from major operations and serious illnesses so it's important to use your common sense when you visit. If it was you in the hospital bed, you wouldn't want to have to put up with rudeness, screaming children and loudly ringing mobile phones. And neither does anybody else.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Wood.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.