Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs East Surrey and Crawley Hospitals has introduced open visiting to its inpatient wards.  Friends and family can now visit patients when it is convenient for both the patient and themselves.  

The change means that with permission of the patient, visitors can attend the morning ward round and be present when the doctor speaks to each patient about their care. If they choose to, visitors will also be able to help the patient get ready for the day and keep them entertained.  

Previous visiting times were from 2pm until 8 pm.