Are you planning to visit a loved one at the hospital but unsure about the University of Durham Hospital visiting times?
Knowing the correct visiting schedule is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience while complying with hospital policies.
Visiting hours are carefully structured to balance patient recovery with the support of family and friends, making it essential to be aware of any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Understanding the latest University of Durham Hospital visiting times helps visitors plan ahead, avoid unnecessary delays, and provide meaningful support to patients.
University of Durham Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding the University of Durham Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth experience when visiting loved ones. The hospital has designated visiting hours to balance patient recovery and family support.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the general and special ward visiting times, including evening and emergency visits.
General Visiting Times and Restrictions
The University of Durham Hospital visiting times for general wards are structured to allow patients ample rest while enabling visitors to provide emotional support.
Visitors should adhere to the official visiting hours to prevent disruption to patient care:
- Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Bank Holidays: Visiting hours may vary; contact the hospital in advance.
To maintain a safe and comfortable hospital environment, the following restrictions apply:
- Maximum of two visitors per patient at a time to prevent overcrowding.
- Children under 12 are generally not permitted unless approved by ward staff.
- Visitors displaying symptoms of illness such as fever or cough should refrain from visiting.
- Face masks may be required in certain areas depending on hospital policy.
- Hand hygiene is mandatory, visitors must sanitise hands when entering and exiting patient areas.
Following these guidelines ensures that visits remain safe and beneficial for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards
Certain departments at University of Durham Hospital have specific visiting times due to the nature of patient care. These wards include maternity wards, children’s wards, and ICU visiting hours.
Maternity Ward Visiting Hours:
- Birthing Partners: Allowed 24/7 access to support new mothers.
- Family and Friends:
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Weekends: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Siblings of the newborn may be permitted with prior approval.
Children’s Ward Visiting Times:
- Parents and Guardians: Allowed to stay overnight when necessary.
- Other Visitors:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Play areas may have restricted access for safety reasons.
ICU Visiting Hours:
Due to the critical condition of ICU patients, visiting times are more restricted:
- Daily: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Visitors must contact the ward in advance to arrange visits.
- Only immediate family members are permitted, with a maximum of one visitor per patient at a time.
These restrictions ensure that patients in specialised care receive adequate rest while allowing essential visits from loved ones.
Evening and Emergency Visits
For those who need to visit outside standard visiting hours, the hospital has guidelines for evening visits and emergency situations.
Evening Visits:
- Evening visits are generally not permitted except under special circumstances, such as end-of-life care.
- Approval must be obtained from ward staff before arrival.
Emergency Visits:
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department: Open 24/7 for urgent medical needs.
- Family members may accompany patients to A&E, but waiting areas have limited seating.
- Critical Condition Visits: Immediate family members may be granted access outside standard hours at the discretion of hospital staff.
For urgent situations, contacting the hospital in advance is recommended to receive appropriate guidance.
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Hospital Visitor Policies at University of Durham
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and visitors, University of Durham Hospital enforces hospital visitor rules that align with national healthcare standards. These hospital policies help maintain patient safety, privacy, and infection control while ensuring loved ones can provide emotional support.
General Hospital Visitor Rules
Visitors must follow specific hospital visitor rules to prevent disruption to patient care and ensure a positive hospital experience:
- Maximum of two visitors per patient at any given time to avoid overcrowding.
- Children under 12 are generally not allowed unless granted special permission by hospital staff.
- Visitors must not bring food or flowers into restricted areas such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to hygiene concerns.
- Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited to protect patient privacy and comply with hospital policy.
- Visitors must remain in designated areas and avoid entering unauthorised sections of the hospital.
These guidelines help create a structured and respectful visiting experience for all patients and healthcare professionals.
Infection Control and Patient Safety Guidelines
For the well-being of both patients and visitors, patient safety guidelines are strictly enforced throughout the hospital:
- Face masks may be required in certain wards, especially for immunocompromised patients.
- Visitors showing symptoms of fever, cough, flu, or stomach-related illnesses should refrain from visiting.
- Hand hygiene stations are placed at hospital entrances and must be used before and after visiting a patient.
- Social distancing measures may still be in place in high-risk areas to prevent infection spread.
These patient safety guidelines protect vulnerable individuals and help maintain a safe hospital environment.
Special Considerations for End-of-Life or Critical Care Patients
In cases where patients are in critical condition or receiving end-of-life care, hospital policy allows for more flexible visitation rules:
- Family members may be allowed extended visiting hours upon request.
- Additional visitors may be permitted at the discretion of the ward staff.
- Visitors may be provided with private waiting areas to ensure a more comfortable experience during difficult times.
For any special visitation requests, contacting the hospital visitor enquiries department is advised.
Directions and Parking at University of Durham Hospital
Planning your journey in advance can make visiting easier, whether travelling by car, public transport, or on foot. Below is a complete guide on how to get to University of Durham Hospital, including details on hospital visitor parking and available transport services.
How to Get to University of Durham Hospital
University of Durham Hospital is conveniently located in Durham, with multiple transport options available for visitors.
By Car:
- The hospital is accessible via major roads and motorways, making it easy to reach by car.
- Visitors using satellite navigation can enter the following hospital address for accurate directions:
- University of Durham Hospital, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW, United Kingdom
- Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so visitors should allow extra travel time.
By Public Transport:
For those relying on transport services, several options are available:
- By Bus: Local bus services have stops near the hospital, with regular routes connecting from Durham city centre.
- By Train: Durham railway station is approximately 1.5 miles from the hospital, with taxi and bus connections available.
- By Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in Durham, providing direct services to the hospital entrance.
Planning ahead and checking real-time transport schedules can help ensure a smooth arrival.
Hospital Visitor Parking
Finding suitable hospital visitor parking is essential for those arriving by car. The hospital offers on-site parking facilities, but availability may be limited during peak hours.
Parking Options and Fees:
| Parking Area | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Car Park A | Up to 2 hours | £2.50 |
| Visitor Car Park B | 2 – 4 hours | £4.00 |
| Visitor Car Park C | Over 4 hours | £6.50 |
| Disabled Parking | Any duration | Free (Blue Badge required) |
Important Parking Information:
- Pay-and-display parking is available at all visitor car parks ensure tickets are clearly displayed.
- Disabled parking spaces are available close to the main entrance for visitors with a valid Blue Badge.
- Parking enforcement is in place to prevent unauthorised vehicle use.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport services where possible, especially during busy hours, to reduce congestion.
Alternative Transport Services
If on-site parking is full, visitors can use alternative transport services:
- Park and Ride: Durham offers Park and Ride facilities, with shuttle services stopping near the hospital.
- Cycling Facilities: Secure bike racks are available for those who prefer cycling.
For those unfamiliar with the area, checking online maps and traffic updates before departure can improve travel planning.
Try Reading: Furness General Hospital Visiting Times
Contact Information for University of Durham Hospital
For visitors needing assistance or specific details about University of Durham Hospital, several contact options are available. Whether for visitor enquiries, hospital contact details, or general assistance, reaching the right department ensures a smooth experience when planning a hospital visit.
Hospital Contact Details
For general visitor enquiries and hospital-related information, the main hospital switchboard is the best point of contact.
- Main Hospital Switchboard: 0191 333 2333
- Address: University of Durham Hospital, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW, United Kingdom
- Website: cddft.nhs.uk
Hospital staff can provide information regarding visiting times, hospital policies, and patient assistance.
Visitor Enquiries and Assistance
For more specific concerns, visitors can reach out to different hospital departments:
- General Visiting Times Enquiries: 0191 333 2333
- Maternity Ward Visiting Enquiries: 0191 333 2935
- ICU and Critical Care Unit Enquiries: 0191 333 2500
- Children’s Ward Enquiries: 0191 333 2777
If uncertain which department to contact, the main switchboard can redirect calls accordingly.
Emergency and After-Hours Assistance
In urgent situations or after regular visiting hours, visitors may need immediate hospital assistance:
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department: Open 24/7 for critical medical cases.
- Out-of-Hours Visiting Requests: Contact the hospital in advance for approval.
For urgent visitor assistance, security personnel are available at the main hospital entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting University of Durham Hospital
Visitors often have questions regarding University of Durham Hospital visiting times, policies, and guidelines. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.
1. What are the general visiting hours at University of Durham Hospital?
The general visiting hours for most wards are:
- Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Bank Holidays: Hours may vary, so it is advisable to contact the hospital for updates.
Certain wards, such as maternity, ICU, and children’s wards, may have different schedules. Checking with the hospital before visiting is recommended.
2. Can I visit outside of standard visiting hours?
Visitors may be allowed outside standard visiting hours under special circumstances:
- End-of-life care patients may have extended visiting times upon request.
- ICU and critical care units require prior approval for visits outside normal hours.
- Emergency visits are permitted in the A&E department at any time, but general ward visits outside standard hours must be approved by hospital staff.
For evening or urgent visit requests, contacting the hospital beforehand is recommended.
3. Is there parking available for hospital visitors?
Yes, hospital visitor parking is available on-site, but spaces can be limited during peak hours.
- Visitor Car Park A: £2.50 (up to 2 hours)
- Visitor Car Park B: £4.00 (2 – 4 hours)
- Visitor Car Park C: £6.50 (over 4 hours)
- Disabled Parking: Free with a valid Blue Badge
Alternative options, such as Park and Ride services, may be useful if car parks are full.
4. Are there any restrictions on what visitors can bring into the hospital?
To maintain patient safety guidelines, some items are restricted:
- Flowers are not permitted in ICU and high-dependency units.
- Outside food and drinks may be restricted in certain wards.
- Large bags or suitcases are discouraged for security and space reasons.
- Photography and video recording are not allowed to protect patient privacy.
For more information on permitted items, visitors should check with hospital staff before bringing gifts or supplies.
Please Read: James Paget Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding the University of Durham Hospital visiting times ensures that visitors can plan their visits effectively while following hospital policies.
Being aware of the designated hours, ward-specific guidelines, and visitor rules helps create a comfortable and safe environment for both patients and their loved ones.
For the latest updates on University of Durham Hospital visiting times, check with the hospital directly or refer to trusted sources.
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