Visiting Royal Trinity Hospice

Do I need to wear a face mask?

From Friday 2 June 2023 there is no requirement to wear a face mask in the communal areas of the inpatient unit.

We still recommend that masks are worn in patient rooms (unless you are exempt from wearing one, are eating or drinking, or sleeping over in one of the IPU rooms.). 

Masks are available outside every patient room. 

You are not required to wear a mask in any other parts of the hospice but you are very welcome to do so, should you wish. Face masks are provided at the entrance of the hospice and around the building.

What are the current guidelines around Covid-19?

If you are visiting the hospice, you are not required to test before entering the hospice. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 however, (see the list on the NHS website here), please do not visit unless you have completed a negative lateral flow test. 

If you receive a positive lateral flow test result, then you should not visit.

Visiting patients on the inpatient unit (wards)

• There are no set visiting hours.
• Children of any age may visit.
• We recommend that you wear a face mask while in patient rooms on the inpatient unit. 
• Pets are allowed to visit patients.
• You will be required to wear disposable gloves and an apron if you are carrying out personal care or the patient is confirmed or suspected Covid-19 positive. These are provided outside the room you are visiting. If a patient is Covid-19 positive, visiting will be restricted to 2 named people.

For those unable to visit for any reason, we have a selection of tablets available to patients on the inpatient unit and we can help arrange and facilitate video calls. Please talk to a member of the team for details.

Attending outpatient appointments and groups

Outpatient groups and 1:1 outpatient appointments are taking place as part of our Living Well programme. Patients who could benefit from these groups will be invited to attend.

If you are a patient receiving 1:1 support from a member of Trinity staff or a volunteer, you will notice they will wear a mask. Staff and volunteers facilitating groups for patients will also wear a mask. If you are a patient (or accompanying friend or family member) attending for Living Well support you are not required to wear masks but are very welcome to do so, if you would prefer.

Attending appointments and groups for carers, friends and family members

Staff and volunteers delivering 1:1 or group support or counselling for carers, family members, friends and people who are bereaved are not required to wear masks and there is no expectation for participants to wear them either. Masks are however provided throughout the building and anyone preferring to wear a mask at any time is very welcome to do so.

Other useful visiting information for visitors to the inpatient unit

Can I bring children?

We welcome children and young people as visitors. We ask adults to supervise their children at all times within our buildings and in the grounds. Please always accompany young children in the garden where we have two unfenced ponds and plants that can be hazardous if consumed.

Can I bring pets?

During the daytime you are welcome to bring well-behaved pets to visit patients staying on the inpatient unit. We ask that you supervise your pets at all times, both within the buildings and the grounds.

Is there parking at Trinity?

We have very limited parking here (five spaces), available for visitors on a first come, first served basis. There are Pay & Display bays on roads around the hospice, you will need to check the local parking restrictions.

Can we bring flowers in and is there something to store them in?

You are very welcome to bring in flowers, adding to the atmosphere on the ward and in patients' rooms. Vases are available in all shapes and sizes, a member of the team can help.

Is there anywhere serving food and drink on site?

Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available in our coffee stations on both wards.

Meals can be ordered for up to two visitors per patient, however patients are typically served first. There is a small charge for meals prepared by our Chef, which you can pay for in the Mulberry Café either with cash or card. Please be aware that we typically have one Chef onsite catering for everyone. You can also bring in your own food too, or order a local takeaway to eat in. Clapham Common is also well served by a variety of restaurants.

Is the Mulberry Café open to visitors?

Yes and the Mulberry Café sells a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks and has a vending machine. The cafe is open Monday – Friday 9am – 3:30pm. Payment can be made using cash or contactless.

Can I spend time in the gardens?

Royal Trinity hospice has a range of quiet seating areas, extensive gardens, and the covered and heated external patio area. Those under the age of 18 will need to be supervised at all times within our buildings and in the grounds. Our garden has two unfenced ponds and plants that can be hazardous if consumed, which Trinity cannot take responsibility for.

What public transport links are there?

Trinity is a ten-minute walk from Clapham Common tube station, (the quickest route is via Rookery Road) which is zone 2 on the Northern line. The London Overground can be accessed from Clapham High Street. The Number 35 or 37 bus goes to Clapham Junction station, taking around 15 minutes.

Download our information for visitors leaflet