Communicating with patients during Covid-19 outbreak

Visiting in our hospitals is now severely restricted. This is to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as much as possible. The updated guidance can be found here.

We recognise how difficult it is, to be asked to stay at home when your relative is in hospital, and appreciate the additional distress this will bring to many families. We want to support you at this time and suggest the following:    

Communicate directly with your relative

Use your mobile device so you can keep in touch with your relative as often as you want. You can text at any time but please do not call after 9.00pm as this is likely to disturb other patients.

Many of our patients have a bedside telephone system, operated by Hospedia Ltd.  Outbound calls made to any number starting with 01, 02 or 03 are free. Outbound calls to mobile numbers are free for the first two minutes.

Please note that any incoming calls to the Hospedia phone will be charged at a premium rate.

Keeping in touch

We have set up a dedicated email address so you can send your relative a message or attach a letter or a drawing from a younger member of the family.

When emailing, please tell us your relative’s full name, address or date of birth and the ward they are on. Then add your message and/or attach letters or pictures. If you want to send a photograph, please restrict this to one.

We will print your messages (in black & white) and if we receive your email before 12.00pm on a weekday, we will deliver them to the ward on the same day.

The email address is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hospital Radio Bedside

The Hospital Radio Bedside operates around the clock and is run entirely by volunteers. You can listen online and make a request for a patient by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carer Support Service

Does a vulnerable or elderly person rely on your unpaid help for everyday tasks? We understand that unpaid carers are really feeling the strain at this difficult time. If your cared-for person is admitted to Poole Hospital during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, please call our Carer Support Service on 01202 448714 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

If you have any questions regarding the above or need any help, then please call our Patient Experience Team on 0300 019 8499 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

If you call, please leave a message and someone will call you back.  Messages and emails are accessed regularly between 9.30am and 4.30pm on week days.  There is no service at weekends.