Visiting times

Our very small neuro unit has visiting times of: 10.30-12.30; 15.30-17.30; 18.30-20.00hrs. I, and a number of my collegues, think this is too much.

I understand the anguish of relatives when their loved one is critically ill but I also believe that too many people, frequently around the bedside, is too much stimulation for the patient; and a dangerous distraction for the nursing team, especially for a critical case.

Our priority is the patient and I think we've gone too far in encouraging contact with relatives/friends to the detriment of patient care but I get the feeling my view is a politically incorrect one.

I'd welcome your views and I'd be very interested to know how much visiting is permitted across other neuro units.

Many thanks