Visitations to see Patients

1. NIMH welcomes visits to patients by their families, friends.

2. Visitation hours are usually from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm, however restrictions may be enforced by the

Director based security or other circumstantial issues.

3. Patients should not be forced to meet visitors and the consent of the patient should be sought for visitations as much as possible.

4. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs or video record within the hospital premises without the written permission of the Director

5. Media personnel and other special groups are not allowed to enter NIMH without the permission of the Director

6. Patient‘s identity should not be revealed or any information given to non-relative visitors without the expressed permission of the Consultant Psychiatrist.

7. A visitor entering a ward must inform the On Duty senior Nursing Officer before meeting the patient.

8. Nursing Officers on duty must ensure visitors are given the needed support and information.

9. If requested an opportunity must be given for family members to meet the treating Medical Officers and Consultants.

10. Any behaviour that induces stigma or ridicules patients by visitors is strictly prohibited.

11. Visitors should carry some form acceptable Identity verification for security purposes.

12. Visitors are prohibited from bringing illegal substances, alcohol, betel leaves, cigarettes and other detrimental items to patients.

13. Nursing Officers on Duty at the Ward have the right to ask the visitors to leave if any violation of regulations or patient rights is suspected.

14. Consultant Psychiatrists may restrict visitors to patients based on clinical grounds.

15. Requests made by next of kin to restrict visitors to patients may be accepted at the discretion of the

Consultant Psychiatrist.

16. Any appeals or complaints a visitor has should be directed to the Consultant Psychiatrist or Director.

17. Final discretion with persons entering NIMH rests with the Director.

18. When providing information to the family, it should be done by the senior most officer available in the ward to ensure veracity and consistency.