■ Before the 1950s, visiting was strictly limited in paediatric wards as it was believed to disturb or distress the child
■ Open visiting was an innovation in the 1950s based on attachment theory
■ Attachment theory identified the strong bond between mother and child, and saw separation of mother and child to be detrimental to the child
■ Residence of mothers was also introduced in recognition of the fact that the most vulnerable children needed the continuous presence of their mothers
