Bournemouth hospital visiting times play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the support they need while allowing them sufficient time for rest and recovery.
Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to find out that visiting hours had changed or were different for certain wards?
Understanding the correct schedule helps prevent inconvenience and ensures a smooth visit for both patients and their loved ones.
Whether planning a routine visit or checking special access for intensive care or maternity units, being informed about Bournemouth hospital visiting times ensures that every visit is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Bournemouth Hospital Visiting Times
Bournemouth Hospital visiting times are structured to ensure that patients receive adequate rest while allowing loved ones to provide support during recovery.
Visitors must adhere to hospital policies to maintain a calm and safe environment. Below is a detailed guide on standard and special visiting hours across different wards.
General Visiting Times and Restrictions
Bournemouth Hospital visiting times for general wards are designed to balance patient care with the importance of social support. Standard visiting hours across most general wards are:
- Afternoon visits: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening visits: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Visitors should keep in mind the following patient visitation guidelines:
- A maximum of two visitors per patient at a time.
- Children under 12 years old should be accompanied by an adult and may require prior approval.
- Avoid visiting during meal times to allow patients to eat undisturbed.
- Ensure all personal belongings, including coats and bags, are kept to a minimum to avoid cluttering patient areas.
Visitors are encouraged to check directly with the ward for any temporary adjustments to visiting hours, particularly during peak flu seasons or emergency situations.
Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards
Certain areas within Bournemouth Hospital operate under special visiting hours due to the nature of care provided. These include maternity wards, children’s wards, and ICU visiting hours.
Maternity Ward:
- Partners: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- General Visitors: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Only two visitors at a time are allowed in the postnatal ward.
- Siblings of newborns may visit but should be closely supervised.
Children’s Ward:
- Parents and guardians: 24-hour access permitted.
- General visitors: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- No more than two visitors at a time per patient to maintain a quiet environment.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visiting Hours:
- Immediate family members only: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Visits may be restricted based on the patient’s condition and medical staff discretion.
- Visitors must wear protective gear if required by the unit.
Due to the sensitive nature of ICU patient care, visitors are advised to confirm their visit in advance with the nursing staff.
Evening and Emergency Visits
In cases where visiting outside of standard visiting hours is necessary, Bournemouth Hospital accommodates emergency visits based on specific circumstances.
- Late-night visits: Only permitted for immediate family members in critical situations.
- Palliative care visits: Arranged individually with the ward to allow extended time with loved ones.
- Emergency patient support: Special access may be granted for family members of those undergoing urgent procedures.
Visitors requiring late entry should notify the hospital in advance and check with security upon arrival.
Continue: Southmead Hospital Visiting Times
Hospital Visitor Policies at Bournemouth
Bournemouth Hospital has established hospital visitor rules to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and medical staff. These guidelines help ensure that visits are structured in a way that supports patient safety while minimising disruptions to treatment and recovery.
Visitors are expected to follow these hospital policies to protect public health and adhere to NHS standards.
General Hospital Visitor Rules
All visitors must comply with Bournemouth Hospital’s general visitor policies, which include:
- Adhering to visiting hours: All guests should visit within the designated times to avoid disturbing patient care.
- Respecting staff instructions: Nurses and doctors may limit or adjust visits based on a patient’s medical condition.
- Keeping noise levels low: Conversations should be kept at a reasonable volume to ensure a peaceful environment.
- Following hygiene protocols: Hand sanitisation is required before and after visiting a patient.
- Avoiding overcrowding: A maximum of two visitors per patient is allowed at any given time.
Failure to comply with these hospital visitor rules may result in visitors being asked to leave or visiting privileges being restricted.
Infection Control and Patient Safety Guidelines
To reduce the risk of infections, Bournemouth Hospital has strict patient safety guidelines in place:
- Visitors feeling unwell should not enter: Those experiencing flu, cough, fever, or other symptoms should avoid visiting until fully recovered.
- Protective equipment may be required: In certain high-risk areas, visitors may need to wear face masks, gloves, or gowns as per NHS protocols.
- Hand hygiene is mandatory: Visitors must use hand sanitisers upon entering and exiting wards.
- Food and drink restrictions: Bringing outside food for patients is generally discouraged unless approved by the ward.
These guidelines are in place to protect vulnerable patients from unnecessary exposure to infections.
Special Considerations for End-of-Life and Palliative Care Visits
For patients receiving palliative care, Bournemouth Hospital allows extended visiting times and relaxed policies:
- Immediate family members may visit outside normal hours.
- Larger groups may be permitted in certain cases, subject to staff approval.
- Emotional support visits from religious or spiritual advisors can be arranged.
Families of palliative care patients are encouraged to speak directly with hospital staff to arrange appropriate visiting schedules.
Security and Visitor Registration Policies
Bournemouth Hospital enforces hospital security policies to ensure patient safety:
- Visitors may be required to sign in upon arrival, especially in restricted-access areas.
- Bag checks may be conducted to prevent the entry of prohibited items.
- Visitors should wear hospital visitor badges if provided by staff.
Anyone found violating hospital policy or engaging in disruptive behaviour may have their visitation rights revoked.
Bournemouth Hospital’s visitor policies are designed to support patient well-being while allowing loved ones to offer comfort and companionship in a controlled and secure setting.
See More: Cramlington Hospital Visiting Times
Directions and Parking at Bournemouth Hospital
Knowing how to get to Bournemouth Hospital and understanding the available hospital visitor parking options can help ensure a smooth and stress-free visit. Whether arriving by car, public transport, or taxi, Bournemouth Hospital provides multiple transport services to accommodate visitors.
How to Get to Bournemouth Hospital by Car
Visitors driving to Bournemouth Hospital can easily access the facility via major roads:
- From Bournemouth Town Centre: Follow the A338 (Wessex Way) and take the exit towards Castle Lane East. The hospital is signposted from the roundabout.
- From Poole: Take the A35, continue onto A3049, then merge onto A338 before following signs for Bournemouth Hospital.
- From Ringwood and Beyond: Use the A31 towards Bournemouth, merging onto A338 and following directions to the hospital.
For those using satellite navigation (sat nav), the hospital’s postcode is BH7 7DW.
Hospital Visitor Parking Options
Bournemouth Hospital provides hospital visitor parking facilities with multiple car parks available for public use:
| Car Park Location | Availability | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hospital Car Park | Open 24/7 | Charges apply (hourly rates) |
| Emergency & A&E Parking | Restricted to emergency visitors | Short-term use only |
| Blue Badge Parking | Available near hospital entrances | Free for disabled visitors |
- Standard parking fees apply for general visitors, with pay stations located at car park exits.
- Drop-off points are available near the main entrance for those assisting patients with mobility issues.
- Free parking is provided for registered carers and long-term visitors upon hospital approval.
Public Transport Services to Bournemouth Hospital
Visitors can also use public transport services for convenient access:
By Bus:
- Morebus Service M1 & M2: Stops directly outside Bournemouth Hospital.
- Yellow Buses (Routes 2, 3, 4, 5): Operate from Bournemouth Square to the hospital.
- National Express Coaches: Services connect Bournemouth with surrounding towns and London, with a stop at Bournemouth Station (then a short bus ride to the hospital).
By Train:
- The nearest train station is Bournemouth Railway Station, located about 2.5 miles from the hospital.
- From the station, visitors can take a taxi (10-minute ride) or a bus (Morebus M1 or M2) directly to the hospital.
By Taxi or Ride Services:
- Local taxi ranks are available at Bournemouth Station and town centre.
- Uber and private hire services operate in the Bournemouth area and provide hospital drop-offs.
Bicycle and Walking Access:
For those living nearby, Bournemouth Hospital is accessible by footpaths and cycle routes:
- Bicycle racks are provided near the main entrance.
- Pedestrian access is available via Castle Lane East, with clear signposts from the surrounding area.
Understanding hospital visitor parking and available transport services makes planning a hospital visit easier. Visitors are advised to check for real-time travel updates, especially during peak hours or major local events.
Try Reading: Ipswich Hospital Visiting Times
Contact Information for Bournemouth Hospital
For visitors needing hospital contact details, Bournemouth Hospital provides multiple communication channels to assist with visitor enquiries and general assistance. Whether you need to confirm visiting hours, enquire about patient care, or seek directions, contacting the hospital in advance can help streamline your visit.
Main Hospital Contact Details
- Hospital Switchboard (General Enquiries): 01202 303626
- Address: Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DW
- Email (General Enquiries): Available via the hospital’s official website
- Website: uhd.nhs.uk
Visitor Enquiries and Assistance
For specific visitor enquiries, Bournemouth Hospital provides dedicated contact points:
| Department | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Information Desk | 01202 704167 | General visitor assistance |
| Ward-Specific Enquiries | Contact the relevant ward | Available on hospital website |
| Emergency Department (A&E) | 01202 704167 | Urgent patient updates |
| Maternity Unit | 01202 704283 | Visiting hours for partners & family |
| ICU (Intensive Care Unit) | 01202 726200 | Restricted visits, call before arrival |
Emergency and After-Hours Contact
In cases where visitors require assistance outside standard hours:
- Emergency Hotline: Dial 999 for life-threatening situations.
- Non-Urgent Medical Advice: Call NHS 111 for guidance before visiting.
- Out-of-Hours Hospital Enquiries: Contact the main switchboard for urgent visitor concerns.
Assistance for Visitors with Special Needs
Bournemouth Hospital ensures that visitors requiring additional support receive assistance:
- Interpreting Services: Available for non-English-speaking visitors (book in advance).
- Hearing Impaired Support: Induction loop and sign language interpreters available.
- Mobility Assistance: Wheelchairs available at reception, with staff assistance upon request.
Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for visitor enquiries or assistance to ensure a smooth and accessible hospital visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bournemouth Hospital
Here are answers to some of the most common visitor enquiries regarding Bournemouth Hospital’s visiting policies, facilities, and contact procedures.
1. What are Bournemouth Hospital visiting times for general wards?
Bournemouth Hospital visiting times for general wards are:
- Afternoon visits: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening visits: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- A maximum of two visitors per patient at any given time.
It’s best to check with the hospital directly as visiting hours may vary depending on the patient’s condition and ward policies.
2. Is there free parking for visitors at Bournemouth Hospital?
- Standard visitor parking is available, but charges apply.
- Blue Badge holders (disabled visitors) can park for free in designated bays.
- Short-term drop-off areas are provided near the hospital entrance.
- Visitors staying for long durations can request discounted parking rates at the reception.
3. Can I visit a patient outside of standard visiting hours?
- Emergency and late-night visits are only allowed for critical or end-of-life patients.
- Special permissions must be arranged in advance with the ward staff.
- ICU and high-dependency units have stricter visiting policies due to patient care needs.
4. How can I contact a specific hospital ward for visitor information?
- Visitors can call the main hospital switchboard at 01202 303626 and request to be transferred to the relevant ward.
- The hospital website provides direct contact numbers for specific wards.
- For urgent visitor enquiries, contact the Patient Information Desk at 01202 704167.
Visitors are advised to confirm hospital policies before planning their visit to ensure compliance with hospital visitor rules and patient safety guidelines.
Please Read: Torbay Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding Bournemouth hospital visiting times ensures a hassle-free visit while supporting patient recovery and well-being.
Adhering to the hospital’s visitor policies helps maintain a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and their loved ones.
If you found this information helpful, feel free to share it with others who may need guidance on Bournemouth hospital visiting times.
Leave a comment below with any questions or visit www.hospitalvisittimes.com for more updates on hospital access and visitor policies.
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