Gloucester Royal Hospital Visiting Times – Hours & Rules 2025

Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times are essential for anyone planning to see a loved one in hospital, ensuring visits are made at the right time without disruption.

Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to find out visiting hours have changed or restrictions are in place?

Understanding the latest policies helps visitors provide support while respecting patient recovery needs.

Whether it’s a routine visit or an emergency situation, knowing Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times allows for a smoother and more reassuring experience.

Gloucester Royal Hospital Visiting Times

Visiting hours at Gloucester Royal Hospital are set to ensure that patients receive adequate rest while allowing loved ones to provide emotional support. Understanding the specific Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times will help you plan your visit accordingly and avoid any inconvenience.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Most general wards at Gloucester Royal Hospital follow a standard visiting hours policy. However, there are certain restrictions in place to maintain a calm and safe environment for patients and staff.

Standard Visiting Hours for General Wards:

• Daily Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Visitor Limit: Up to two visitors per patient at a time
• Quiet Periods: Some wards may enforce rest hours between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM

While these are the general patient visitation guidelines, it is always best to check with the specific ward before visiting, as some areas may have different requirements due to medical conditions or patient needs.

General Restrictions for Visitors:

• Children Under 12: Only permitted with prior approval from the hospital staff.
• Health Precautions: Visitors displaying flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, or any contagious illness should avoid visiting to protect patients and staff.
• Time Management: Visitors are encouraged to limit their time at the bedside to prevent excessive fatigue for the patient.

Following these hospital visitor guidelines ensures that patient recovery remains the top priority while still allowing friends and family to visit their loved ones.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Certain wards at Gloucester Royal Hospital operate under different visiting hours due to the nature of care provided.

Maternity Ward Visiting Hours

• Partner or Birth Partner: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• General Visitors: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Siblings of Newborns: Allowed, but must be supervised by an adult
• Other Children: Generally not permitted unless previously arranged with staff

For maternity patients, visiting is kept flexible to ensure that new mothers can rest while allowing family members to bond with the baby.

Children’s Ward Visiting Times

• Parents or Guardians: 24-hour access
• Other Visitors: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (recommended)
• Siblings and Young Visitors: Must be approved by hospital staff before the visit

The paediatric ward prioritises parental presence to comfort young patients. Extended visiting times for parents ensure that children receive as much family support as possible.

ICU Visiting Hours and Guidelines

• Visiting Times: Varies by case; visitors should check with the ward in advance
• Number of Visitors: Usually one or two visitors at a time
• Visit Duration: Short visits encouraged to prevent patient fatigue
• Protective Equipment: Visitors may be required to wear masks, gowns, or gloves

Due to the sensitive condition of ICU patients, visits must be kept brief and follow strict hospital policy to prevent infection risks.

Evening and Emergency Visits

Certain circumstances may require visits outside of normal hours, such as critical care situations or family emergencies.

Late-Night and Evening Visits

• Evening visits beyond standard hours are usually only allowed in exceptional cases.
• Visitors must seek permission from the ward staff before arriving late.

Emergency and End-of-Life Visitation

• Families may be allowed 24-hour access for critically ill or end-of-life patients.
• Hospital staff will provide guidance and support for families needing extended access.

These exceptions are handled with compassion, ensuring that loved ones can be present when it matters most.

Continue: Aintree hospital Visiting Times

Hospital Visitor Policies at Gloucester Royal

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for both patients and visitors, Gloucester Royal Hospital follows strict hospital visitor rules that align with patient safety guidelines. These policies are designed to balance the need for family support while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for patient recovery.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

Visitors are expected to follow the hospital’s regulations to ensure patient care and safety are prioritised. Key hospital policy guidelines include:

• Maximum Visitors: Most wards allow two visitors per patient at a time.
• Health and Safety: Visitors showing symptoms of flu, colds, COVID-19, or other contagious illnesses should avoid visiting.
• Mobile Phones: Use of mobile devices should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing patients.
• Noise Levels: Conversations should be kept at a low volume to maintain a calm environment.
• Photography and Recording: Taking pictures or recording videos of patients or staff is strictly prohibited unless permission is granted by the hospital.

These hospital visitor rules help create a safe and respectful atmosphere for both patients and healthcare staff.

Patient Safety Guidelines for Visitors

To prevent the spread of infections and ensure patient well-being, Gloucester Royal Hospital has strict hygiene policies that all visitors must follow.

• Hand Hygiene: Use hand sanitiser upon entering and leaving the ward.
• Protective Equipment: In some wards, visitors may be required to wear masks, gloves, or gowns.
• Restricted Items: Certain items, such as fresh flowers and latex balloons, may be restricted in some wards due to allergy and infection concerns.
• Food Restrictions: Bringing in outside food is discouraged, as some patients have dietary restrictions that must be strictly followed.

Adhering to these patient safety guidelines ensures a clean and secure environment for all hospital visitors and patients.

Special Rules for High-Risk Wards

Certain departments have stricter hospital policies due to the nature of care provided. Visitors should be aware of the following:

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Visitors may need to wear protective clothing and keep visits short.
• Maternity and Neonatal Wards: Only partners and immediate family members may be permitted to visit outside regular hours.
• Paediatric Ward: Parents or guardians have 24-hour access, but other visitors should check with the ward before arriving.

Visitors planning to see patients in these areas should consult hospital staff in advance to confirm specific requirements.

Following these hospital visitor rules ensures that all visits are conducted in a way that prioritises patient recovery and staff efficiency.

See More: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Visiting Times

Directions and Parking at Gloucester Royal Hospital

Understanding how to get to Gloucester Royal Hospital and where to park ensures a smooth visit for patients and visitors. The hospital is well-connected by public transport and offers multiple hospital visitor parking options for those arriving by car.

How to Get to Gloucester Royal Hospital

Located in Gloucester city centre, the hospital is easily accessible via car, bus, and train.

By Car

• Address: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3NN
• Main Access Roads: The hospital is accessible via the A40 and A38.
• Navigation Tip: Enter GL1 3NN into a satnav for precise directions.

By Bus

• Local Bus Routes: Several buses stop near the hospital, including Stagecoach West services.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Located at Great Western Road, a 2-minute walk from the main entrance.
• Bus Timetables: Available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

By Train

• Nearest Station: Gloucester Railway Station, located 0.5 miles from the hospital.
• Walking Distance: Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
• Taxi Services: Available outside the station for direct transport to the hospital.

Using public transport services is recommended for those who want to avoid parking fees and traffic congestion near the hospital.

Hospital Visitor Parking Options

Gloucester Royal Hospital provides several visitor parking options, including on-site car parks and nearby public parking areas.

On-Site Car Parking:

• Disabled Parking: Available near all main entrances with valid Blue Badge display.
• Drop-Off Zones: Short-stay areas allow visitors to drop off patients before finding long-term parking.

Alternative Parking Near the Hospital

For those unable to find space in hospital visitor parking, there are several public car parks nearby:

• NCP Car Park, Bruton Way (5-minute walk) – Open 24/7
• Gloucester Station Car Park (8-minute walk) – Cheaper for long stays
• Kings Walk Shopping Car Park (10-minute walk) – Ideal for shorter visits

Transport Services for Patients and Visitors

For visitors without access to personal transport, several hospital transport services are available:

• Patient Transport Service (PTS): Provides non-emergency transport for eligible patients.
• Local Taxi Companies: Several taxi firms operate within Gloucester and have designated drop-off points at the hospital.
• Community Transport Services: Some local charities and NHS services offer volunteer transport for elderly or disabled visitors.

Visitors are advised to check parking availability in advance and consider using public transport or taxi services during peak hours.

Try Reading: Harrogate Hospital Visiting Times

Contact Information for Gloucester Royal Hospital

For those needing to speak with hospital staff, having the correct hospital contact details can ensure a smooth and efficient communication process. Whether it’s for visitor enquiries, patient updates, or general assistance, Gloucester Royal Hospital provides multiple contact options.

Main Hospital Contact Details

For general visitor enquiries and assistance, the main hospital reception can be contacted through the following channels:

• Hospital Switchboard: 0300 422 2222
• Address: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3NN
• Website: NHS and Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust

The main switchboard can direct callers to specific wards, outpatient services, and administrative departments.

Ward-Specific Contact Numbers

If you need to speak directly with a ward to check on a patient or confirm hospital visitor details, contact information for individual wards can be obtained by calling the main switchboard.

• General Wards: Contact the ward directly via the main hospital number.
• Maternity & Neonatal Unit: Enquiries can be made through the maternity reception.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Due to the sensitive nature of ICU cases, only immediate family members are advised to call for patient updates.

For privacy reasons, staff may require confirmation of identity before disclosing patient details.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available to help visitors, patients, and their families with any concerns or complaints.

• PALS Helpline: 0300 422 6234
• Email: Available through the hospital’s official website
• Services Provided:
  • Guidance on patient care and rights
  • Assistance with hospital navigation and appointments
  • Support for visitor-related issues

PALS is a free and confidential service aimed at improving the hospital experience for visitors and patients.

Emergency and Out-of-Hours Contact

For urgent medical assistance, visitors should contact the appropriate emergency services:

• Accident & Emergency (A&E) Reception: 0300 422 2222 (ask for A&E)
• Emergency Services (Ambulance, Police, Fire): 999
• NHS 111: For non-emergency medical advice

Visitor Assistance and Accessibility Support

For those requiring additional assistance, Gloucester Royal Hospital provides:

• Wheelchair and Mobility Support: Available at the main entrance
• Interpreter Services: For non-English-speaking visitors
• Hearing Loops and Visual Aid Support: Available upon request

Anyone needing visitor assistance should speak to a hospital receptionist or contact PALS before visiting.

Having the right hospital contact details ensures that visitors can access the information they need without unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Gloucester Royal Hospital

Here are some of the most common visitor enquiries related to Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times and policies.

1. What are the standard visiting hours at Gloucester Royal Hospital?

The general visiting hours for most wards are:

• 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
• Up to two visitors per patient at a time
• Some wards may have quiet periods between 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM to allow patients to rest

For specific wards like ICU, maternity, or paediatrics, visiting hours may vary. It’s recommended to contact the hospital directly for up-to-date information.

2. Can children visit patients at Gloucester Royal Hospital?

Yes, but with some restrictions:

• Children under 12 are generally not allowed unless pre-approved by ward staff.
• Siblings of newborns can visit the maternity ward with supervision.
• For paediatric wards, parents/guardians have 24-hour access, while other visitors should check with the ward.

3. Is there parking available for visitors at Gloucester Royal Hospital?

Yes, the hospital has several hospital visitor parking options:

• Main Hospital Car Park: £2.50 for up to 2 hours
• Multi-Storey Car Park: £6 for 4 hours, ideal for long visits
• Emergency Department Parking: Free for A&E patients

Alternative public parking is available at NCP Car Park, Bruton Way, a 5-minute walk from the hospital.

4. Can I visit outside of standard visiting hours in an emergency?

Exceptions can be made for:

• Critically ill or end-of-life patients (24-hour access for immediate family)
• Emergency or late-night visits (only with prior ward approval)

Visitors needing emergency access should call the hospital switchboard or speak with ward staff in advance.

These FAQs cover essential details, but for further assistance, visitors can contact 0300 422 2222 for updated information.

Please Read: Calow Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth and stress-free experience when visiting loved ones while respecting hospital policies and patient recovery needs.

Staying informed about the latest Gloucester Royal Hospital visiting times helps visitors plan ahead, avoid inconvenience, and provide meaningful support to patients.

If this information has been helpful, consider sharing it with others who may need guidance on hospital visits.

Feel free to leave a comment with any questions or experiences, and explore more hospital visitor guides on www.hospitalvisittimes.com for the latest updates.