"Poor experience of visiting Leicester Royal Infirmary maternity ward"

I've just come back from the LRI maternity ward.

Me and my mum went to visit my sister in law with my grandparents. The receptionist told us that the patient already had two visitors and wouldn't be allowed any more for this visiting slot - so we'd have to come back at 7pm. This just wasn't possible - as I have two young children and my grandparents are old and frail.

We understand that the policy of two people per visit makes sense but to not allow any swaps during this time, or to let two people to go in when two others have left, is pretty ridiculous.

With visiting times strictly limited to 2-3pm and 7-8pm it means there is only a small window of opportunity to visit a friend/relative when they might be vulnerable and need family support/assistance or of course welcome a new baby to the world.

This was my first visit to the LRI maternity ward and I was disappointed that the receptionist was rude and abrupt to us - and her suggestion of leaving a note at reception that we were going to visit - so not to allow any other relatives see the patient - was a bit pathetic.

I think the hospital should consider reviewing this and the staff trained to handle these matters with sensitivity and on a case by case basis.