Extended visiting hours during Ramadan

We have extended our visiting hours to allow people enough time to visit their loved ones following Iftar. 

These hours will apply to all visitors, starting from Monday 11 March until Wednesday 10 April, and may vary depending on the department and what’s best for our patients (please speak with the ward team). 

This year, Ramadan began on the evening of 10 March, and is due to end on 9 April with the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. Our Muslim prayer-rooms are always open for staff, inpatients and any relatives staying overnight (please see our website for details). 

Attending medical appointments 

If you have a medical appointment booked during Ramadan, it is important that you attend. If you need to change the time of your appointment, please contact the relevant healthcare team via the details on your appointment. 

There are several exemptions to fasting, including those who are unwell due to conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, or those who are on medication, pregnant or elderly. Those with increased risk of contracting COVID-19 should also consider alternative options. 

What to do if you become unwell while fasting 

We encourage people to fast safely. If you become unwell during Ramadan, the British Islamic Medical Association advises that you should stop fasting and seek medical advice. You can do this by visiting 111.nhs.uk or your GP practice’s website or, if you don’t have access to the internet, by calling 111 or your practice directly.