We have a duty of care to keep our patients safe, whilst understanding our obligations under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Following feedback (including through Ask Owen on the intranet) our senior nurse team have reviewed our policy on locking doors to wards.

From Monday 8 February, doors to most wards will be unlocked between 10am and 8pm so people can leave by pushing the green exit button. Doors will remain locked in high risk areas such as ICU, Paediatrics, Maternity, SCBU and Theatres.

Outside of these hours the doors will remain locked in the interest of security for patients, visitors, colleagues and Trust equipment.

Further information

A one page briefing document is attached along with a poster that should be displayed near exits.