Coronavirus guidance

Following government guidance and in response to the evolving coronavirus pandemic, visiting restrictions are in place at the hospitals. We understand that this is extremely difficult for our patients and their family and friends and suggest:

Keeping in touch

We have set up a dedicated email address so you can send your relative or friend a special message, attach a letter or photo to let them know you are thinking of them.

When emailing, please tell us the patient’s full name, address or date of birth and the ward they are on. Please restrict any photographs or attachments to only one.

Your message will be printed in black and white, laminated, and delivered to the patient’s ward.  If the ward is closed the message will be put in a sealed envelope and taken directly to the internal post room.

You will receive an email confirmation that we have received your message and we will endeavour to deliver it to the ward as soon as possible. We are unfortunately unable to let you know when the message has been delivered.

For patients in the Royal Bournemouth email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and for Poole: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please be mindful that the Keeping In Touch email inboxes are manned Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.  Any messages sent out of these hours or over the weekends will face a delay in being delivered.

Hospital Radio Bedside

The Hospital Radio Bedside operates around the clock and is run entirely by volunteers.

Live request shows are broadcast on the following days/times;

Tuesday 8-9pm

Thursday 8-9pm

Sunday 6-7pm

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

We understand this is an incredibly difficult time for our unpaid carers. If your cared-for person is admitted to the Royal Bournemouth or Poole Hospital during the coronavirus pandemic, please discuss any concerns you may have with the nurse in charge of the area the patient is staying in.

Mobile phones

Call or text your relative or friend directly on their mobile as much as you would like to. You can text at any time but please do not call after 9pm as this is likely to disturb other patients.

We have restricted all visitors to the hospital in line with Government guidelines to reduce potential transmission of the illness. Please see the recent video from Alyson O'Donnell our chief medical officer discussing visitors and carers which can be found here.