Kerala:Visiting hours for families of pateints extended at Government Medical College

Thiruvananthapuram: The Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) visiting hours have been extended. The hours of visit in the evening will now be from 4 pm to 7 pm and a new visit hour between 12 noon and 2 pm has also been introduced.

Passes of different colors will be issued for different slot hours. A 30 minute visit would cost a visitor Rs.10.

Interestingly, according to a survey done this year by an international non profit institute of Patient- and Family-Centered Care, called Better Together, the conclusion drawn was- “You can’t partner with families if you’re locking them out of the hospital, especially when patients are most vulnerable,” Beverley Johnson, President of the institute, said “Families have to be part of the team.”

The long accepted conservative view that visits to patient cause stress, interfere with care, spread infection or exhaust families is giving away to welcoming policies that state designated family members or “care partners” don’t cause catastrophes.

The crucial role families play is slowly getting to be acknowledged in health hubs around the world. Familiar faces and voices can reduce confusion; helping to reorient and calm patients. The visiting family can help provide relaxation, reassurance and comfort- is a belief gathering grounds slowly. The one dear to the patient can also assist in hydration, feeding and communication.

However, there are boundaries to be drawn. Patients do and ought to get to decide who stays and for how long.