Southport Hospital Visiting Times – Hours & Rules 2025

Southport Hospital visiting times play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the support they need while maintaining a structured hospital environment.

Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to realise that visiting hours have ended or that certain wards have specific restrictions?

Understanding the correct Southport Hospital visiting times helps visitors plan their trips efficiently, avoiding unnecessary stress and ensuring compliance with hospital policies.

Knowing when and how to visit makes a significant difference, particularly for those with loved ones in critical care or special units, where guidelines may differ from general wards.

Southport Hospital Visiting Times

Ensuring that visitors are well-informed about Southport Hospital visiting times is essential for maintaining patient care and well-being. Each ward has specific visiting hours to allow rest periods while enabling family and friends to provide much-needed support.

For general wards, visiting hours typically run from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, different departments, such as the maternity ward, children’s ward, and intensive care unit (ICU), may have separate regulations regarding patient visitation. Understanding these rules ensures that visits are smooth and beneficial for both patients and hospital staff.

Below is a detailed breakdown of visiting hours, restrictions, and emergency visit protocols at Southport Hospital.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Southport Hospital visiting times for general wards follow a standard schedule to allow patients ample recovery time while still permitting visits from loved ones. The typical visiting hours for non-specialist hospital wards are:

• Afternoon Visitation: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Evening Visitation: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

These hours ensure that patients receive appropriate medical care while allowing friends and family to check on their well-being. However, certain restrictions are in place to maintain hospital visitor rules and ensure a safe, controlled environment:

• Maximum of Two Visitors per Patient: To prevent overcrowding, each patient is allowed only two visitors at a time.
• Children Visitors: Children under 12 years old are generally not permitted unless special permission is granted by the ward staff.
• Infection Control Protocols: Visitors must avoid attending if they are experiencing symptoms of flu, cough, fever, or diarrhoea to protect vulnerable patients.
• Mobile Phone Use: Phones should be set to silent mode, and calls should be taken outside patient areas.

For exceptional circumstances, such as a critically ill patient, families may request extended visitation by speaking with the ward manager.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

While Southport Hospital visiting times remain consistent for general wards, special units such as maternity, paediatric, and ICU wards have different schedules due to patient-specific needs.

Maternity Ward Visiting Hours:

For partners or designated birthing partners, visiting times in the maternity ward are typically more flexible:

• Partners: Allowed to visit from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• General Visitors: Visiting hours are 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Siblings of the Newborn: Permitted during designated family hours and must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to infection control policies, visitors may be required to wear protective coverings when visiting newborns.

Children’s Ward Visiting Hours:

Parental presence is encouraged in paediatric wards, but certain guidelines apply:

• Parents or Guardians: Allowed 24-hour access to stay with their child.
• Other Visitors (e.g. Relatives & Friends): 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Siblings: Generally permitted but must follow hospital hygiene regulations.

ICU Visiting Hours and Restrictions:

The intensive care unit (ICU) has stricter regulations due to the condition of critically ill patients. Visiting hours are:

• Limited to Immediate Family: One or two visitors per patient at any given time.
• Standard Visiting Times: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Shortened Visit Durations: To avoid disturbing patient care, visits are typically limited to 15-30 minutes per session.

Visitors must follow strict hand hygiene procedures before entering the ICU to minimise infection risks.

Evening and Emergency Visits

While regular visiting hours at Southport Hospital are well-defined, certain circumstances may require evening or emergency visits outside standard hours.

Evening Visits Outside Standard Hours:

Some patients may require extended visiting hours, particularly in end-of-life care or post-operative recovery situations. In such cases:

• Approval is Required: Late visits must be pre-approved by the ward nurse or hospital administration.
• Quiet Hours Apply: Visitors must maintain a low noise level to avoid disturbing other patients.

Emergency Visits for Critical Situations:

In the event of a medical emergency, families may be allowed immediate access to the hospital outside of normal visiting hours. Emergency visitation rules include:

• Approval from Medical Staff: Emergency access is typically granted for patients in critical condition or end-of-life care.
• Overnight Stay Arrangements: Family members may be allowed to stay overnight in specific cases, such as ICU admissions or palliative care patients.

For urgent visitor requests, it is advisable to contact the hospital’s visitor enquiries team before arriving.

Continue: Salford Royal Hospital Visiting Times

Hospital Visitor Policies at Southport

Understanding the hospital visitor rules at Southport Hospital is essential for ensuring a safe and well-regulated environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Hospital policies are in place to balance patient well-being with the need for emotional support from family and friends.

These guidelines cover visiting hours, infection control, visitor conduct, and safety measures to ensure a smooth and secure visitation experience.

Below are the key patient safety guidelines and visitor regulations that must be followed when entering Southport Hospital.

General Visitor Rules and Conduct

To maintain a calm and respectful environment, visitors must adhere to the following hospital policy:

• Maximum of Two Visitors per Patient: To prevent overcrowding and ensure patient comfort, only two visitors are allowed at a time.
• Respect Quiet Hours: Noise should be kept to a minimum, especially in shared wards.
• Hand Hygiene and Infection Control: Visitors must wash or sanitise hands before and after seeing a patient to reduce the risk of infection.
• Food and Drink Restrictions: Certain wards may prohibit outside food or beverages due to dietary regulations for patients.
• No Photography or Video Recording: Patient privacy must be respected, and taking photos or videos inside the hospital is strictly prohibited.
• Supervision for Children Under 12: Young visitors must be accompanied by an adult at all times and may not be permitted in certain high-risk wards.

Infection Control and COVID-19 Precautions

For the safety of vulnerable patients, Southport Hospital visitor rules include specific guidelines for infection control:

• No Visits If Feeling Unwell: Visitors experiencing cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea should not visit until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
• Mask-Wearing Requirements: Depending on current health guidelines, visitors may be required to wear face masks in certain wards, such as ICU or high-dependency units.
• Social Distancing Where Necessary: In some cases, limited seating and spacing regulations may apply in waiting areas.
• Handwashing Stations Available: Hand sanitisers and wash stations are located at entrances and must be used upon entry and exit.

Hospital staff have the authority to restrict or deny entry if infection control guidelines are not followed.

Special Circumstances for Extended Visiting Hours

In some cases, visitors may be allowed access outside of standard hospital visiting times. These exceptions include:

• Patients in End-of-Life Care: Immediate family members may request extended or overnight stays in palliative care situations.
• Parents of Hospitalised Children: Parents or guardians are generally permitted 24-hour access to stay with their child in paediatric wards.
• Carers or Support Persons for Patients with Disabilities: If a patient requires assistance with mobility, communication, or emotional support, a designated carer may be allowed extended visitation privileges.

Approval for special circumstances must be arranged with the ward nurse or hospital administration in advance.

Security and Safety Regulations for Visitors

To maintain a secure environment, Southport Hospital visitor rules include safety measures for all guests:

• All Visitors Must Check In: Upon arrival, visitors should register at the reception desk and obtain a visitor pass, if required.
• No Smoking or Alcohol Consumption: Smoking is strictly prohibited within hospital premises, including outdoor areas. Alcohol and intoxicated visitors are not allowed.
• Emergency Exits and Fire Safety: Visitors must be aware of emergency exit routes and follow staff instructions in case of an evacuation.
• Aggressive Behaviour Will Not Be Tolerated: Any verbal or physical abuse towards hospital staff or patients will lead to immediate removal from the premises.

Southport Hospital has on-site security personnel to enforce these hospital visitor rules and ensure the safety of all patients and visitors.

See More: Lagan Valley Hospital Visiting Times

Directions and Parking at Southport Hospital

Planning your visit in advance ensures a smooth journey to Southport Hospital, whether arriving by car, bus, or train. Understanding how to get to Southport Hospital and available hospital visitor parking options can help visitors avoid unnecessary delays.

Below is a guide to transport services, parking facilities, and accessibility options for those visiting Southport Hospital.

How to Get to Southport Hospital by Car

For those driving, Southport Hospital is located at:

• Address: Town Lane, Kew, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6PN

Visitors arriving by car can reach the hospital via the A570 or Birkdale to Kew main roads. The hospital is well-signposted from all major routes leading into Southport.

Driving directions from key locations:

• From Southport Town Centre: Approximately 10 minutes by car via the A570.
• From Liverpool: Around 40 minutes via the A565 and A570.
• From Preston: Approximately 35 minutes via the A59 and A570.

For real-time traffic updates, it is advisable to use a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze before departing.

Hospital Visitor Parking Options

Southport Hospital visitor parking is available on-site, but spaces can be limited during peak hours. Parking facilities include:

Parking Tips:

• Payment machines accept cash, card, and contactless payments.
• Always display your parking ticket on the dashboard to avoid fines.
• Peak hours for parking congestion are 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

For frequent visitors, weekly or monthly parking permits are available from the hospital’s reception desk.

Public Transport Services to Southport Hospital

For visitors using public transport, multiple options are available:

By Bus:

Several bus routes serve Southport Hospital:

• Arriva Bus 44 – Runs from Southport town centre to the hospital every 20 minutes.
• Stagecoach Bus X2 – Connects Liverpool and Southport, stopping near the hospital.
• Merseytravel Bus 46A – Covers routes from Ormskirk and surrounding areas.

The nearest bus stop is located just outside the hospital’s main entrance.

By Train:

The closest railway station is Southport Train Station, which is approximately 2.5 miles from the hospital.

• From Southport Train Station, visitors can take a taxi (10 minutes) or use Arriva Bus 44 to reach the hospital.
• Direct train services connect Southport to Liverpool, Manchester, and Wigan.

For updated bus and train schedules, visitors can check the Merseytravel website or local public transport apps.

Accessibility and Special Transport Services

For visitors requiring assisted transport or accessibility support:

• Disabled Access: All main entrances are wheelchair accessible, with automatic doors and step-free routes.
• Hospital Transport Services: Patients with mobility issues can request NHS non-emergency patient transport by calling the hospital in advance.
• Taxi Drop-Off Zones: Located near A&E and the main entrance, providing easy access for visitors with mobility challenges.

For further transport assistance, visitors can contact Southport Hospital’s general enquiries team for guidance.

Try Reading: Royal Derby Hospital Visiting Times

Contact Information for Southport Hospital

Having the correct hospital contact details ensures that visitors can get the necessary information regarding visiting hours, patient updates, and hospital services before their arrival.

Whether you need assistance with visitor enquiries, appointment confirmations, or accessibility support, Southport Hospital provides multiple contact options for different needs.

Below is a detailed guide on how to reach the hospital efficiently for any assistance or general enquiries.

General Hospital Contact Details

For general information, visitor enquiries, and hospital services, visitors can use the following contact details:

• Main Switchboard: 01704 547471
• Hospital Address: Town Lane, Kew, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6PN
• Website: Southport Hospital

Operating Hours for General Enquiries:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The main switchboard can redirect calls to specific departments, including patient wards, outpatient clinics, and administrative offices.

Department-Specific Contacts

For more targeted assistance, visitors can contact the relevant department:

For urgent patient information, it is recommended to contact the specific ward directly through the switchboard number and request to be connected.

How to Get Assistance for Visitors

Southport Hospital provides various support services to assist visitors with different needs:

• Lost & Found: For misplaced items during a visit, contact hospital reception at 01704 704720.
• Accessibility & Mobility Assistance: For wheelchair access or special assistance, call 01704 704722 at least 24 hours before your visit.
• Interpreter Services: For non-English speaking visitors, translation services can be arranged through the Patient Liaison Team.

If further help is needed, visitors can speak directly to a hospital receptionist upon arrival for guidance.

Emergency Contact and Out-of-Hours Support

For emergency situations or urgent medical concerns, use the following contacts:

• Emergency (Ambulance & Life-Threatening Situations): 999
• NHS 111 Helpline for Non-Emergency Medical Advice: 111
• Southport Hospital A&E Reception: 01704 704716 (Available 24/7)

For late-night visitor enquiries, visitors can call the hospital’s main switchboard to request information regarding emergency visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Southport Hospital

Visitors often have common concerns about Southport Hospital visiting times, hospital visitor rules, and general visitation policies. Below are four of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify important details for those planning a visit.

1. Can children visit patients at Southport Hospital?

Yes, but there are restrictions. Children under 12 years old are generally not allowed to visit unless under special circumstances, such as visiting a parent or sibling. In these cases:

• A responsible adult must accompany the child at all times.
• Paediatric and maternity wards may have specific visiting hours for siblings.
• Young visitors should not attend if they are unwell to prevent spreading infections.

For exceptions, it is best to check with the hospital’s visitor enquiries team before arriving.

2. Do I need to book a visit in advance?

For general wards, visitors do not need an appointment and can visit during standard hospital visiting times. However, for certain areas such as:

• ICU and High Dependency Units (HDU) – Visitors may need to arrange a visit with the ward staff in advance.
• Maternity Ward – Partners generally have flexible visiting hours, but general visitors should check for any specific requirements.
• COVID-19 or Infection-Control Restrictions – In some cases, advance booking may be required for safety reasons.

It is recommended to call the hospital reception for the latest visitor requirements before planning a visit.

3. What should I do if I feel unwell before visiting?

If experiencing any symptoms of illness, visitors should avoid coming to the hospital to protect vulnerable patients. This includes symptoms such as:

• Fever, cough, or sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (wait at least 48 hours after symptoms stop before visiting)
• Flu-like symptoms or general unwellness

For urgent cases where a visit is necessary, contact the hospital’s visitor enquiries line to check if alternative arrangements, such as video calls, can be made.

4. Is there a limit on the number of visitors per patient?

Yes. Most general wards allow a maximum of two visitors per patient at a time to ensure a quiet and safe hospital environment. However:

• Exceptions may be made for palliative care or end-of-life patients, where extended family visits may be permitted.
• In shared hospital rooms, visitors may need to follow space limitations as directed by ward staff.
• Some specialist units (e.g., ICU) may have stricter visitation policies due to patient condition.

For any special requests or family group visits, visitors should contact the hospital in advance for approval.

Please Read: Leighton Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Southport Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth and stress-free visit while respecting hospital policies and patient care needs.

Planning ahead helps visitors avoid unexpected restrictions, ensuring loved ones receive support without disruptions.

For the latest updates on Southport Hospital visiting times, always check with the hospital directly.

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