Visitors

Who should visit

We advise that only close relatives and friends visit patients in DCC. This helps to control infections, enables staff to complete their duties and ensures patients receive the rest and quiet which is an important part of their recuperation. No more than 2 visitors at a time should go to the bedside.

Visiting Times

We welcome visitors in the afternoon and evening and at other times by arrangement with the nursing staff. Mornings are very busy and visitors may have to wait for long periods

Arrival at DCC

Visitors should check with the receptionist whether they can visit patients when they arrive at DCC. Visitors may have to wait until patients are ready, please bear with us. Please do not enter the patient area unless escorted by a staff member or without their permission

The main doors are locked after office hours and at the weekend, please use the Entryphone outside DCC.

Mobile Phones

Please do not use your mobile phone within the patient area as the signal may interfere with our equipment. You may use it within the waiting room or on the landing outside the lifts.

There are two Restaurants at Cheltenham General. The Blue Spa Café is located at the front of the Hospital in Centre Block. The Glass House Café can be found in St. Paul's Wing. For more information Click Here

Going to the Ward

It not unusual for patients and family to feel apprehensive when being discharged from DDC. However, transferring to the hospital ward means patients no longer need the specialist treatment DCC provides so it is an important and positive step on the way to recovery.

For the first few days patients may be visited by specialist nurses who work with the DCC team. These “Outreach” nurses will monitor your progress and provide any further advice needed to ensure your recovery continues.

Cleanliness and Infections in Hospital

Infections in the day unit are rare because patients are not in hospital for a long period of time. Nurses also follow strict infection control policies which include hand washing, the use of alcohol gel and the wearing of gloves and aprons.

Visitors and relatives should not sit on patient trolleys and should wash their hands before coming into the unit.

If you have been in contact with chickenpox, measles or mumps within 3 weeks of your admittance to hospital, please inform a member of staff.

Hand washing. The most common means by which infection is transmitted is by hand, therefore handwashing is a very basic, yet vital infection control measure. Alcohol hand gel is kept at the entrance of the ward and at each bedside for all the visitors to use before and after visiting. For hygienic hand disinfection apply 3ml (3 shots) to physically clean hands for 30 seconds ensuring all areas are covered, until dry. For more information on Cleanliness and Infection click here.