Visiting hours at NHS hospitals vary by Trust and specific unit, but most now offer extended or open hours, generally allowing visitors from mid-morning to early evening or later. For example, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals have open visiting hours from 10am to 8pm[1], Royal Devon hospitals encourage visiting between 9am and 10pm[3], and University Hospitals Sussex typically allow visits from 10am to 8pm[4]. Hull University Teaching Hospitals permit visiting from 11am to 8pm[2], and the Northern Care Alliance offers visiting from 10am to 7:30pm[7]. Bradford Teaching Hospitals welcome visitors from 2pm to 7:30pm on most inpatient wards[8].
There are often limits on the number of visitors allowed at one time, commonly two per patient. The specific individuals may rotate with coordination among friends and family[2][4]. For most adult wards, children are either not allowed or require prior approval, and additional exceptions or arrangements may be possible for end-of-life patients, carers, children, and maternity or neonatal units[1][4][6].
Visitors are expected to respect privacy, avoid interrupting staff during clinical activities like drug rounds, and not visit if they exhibit symptoms of infectious illness (including COVID-19, flu, or norovirus). Mask use is usually at the visitor’s discretion unless infection prevention measures are in place or the visitor has respiratory symptoms[1][3][6].
If you are planning a visit outside the standard hours, most hospitals ask you to check with the ward manager or staff, as exceptions may be granted for compassionate or clinical reasons[3][4][6]. Certain areas—such as intensive care, emergency departments, and units with vulnerable patients—may have stricter or separate arrangements[2][6]. For the most accurate information, check the hospital’s website or contact the ward directly, as times and policies may change due to local conditions or infection control needs.
References
- [1] Visitor information – Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
- [2] Hospital Visiting | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- [3] Visiting information – NHS Royal Devon
- [4] Visiting times – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- [6] Southampton General Hospital – Current restricted visiting access
- [7] Visiting our Hospitals – Northern Care Alliance
- [8] Information for visitors – Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS