Preston Hospital Visiting Times | Updated 2025

Preston Hospital visiting times play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the support they need while maintaining hospital efficiency and patient well-being.

Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to find out that visiting hours are restricted or differ by ward?

Understanding the latest guidelines can help visitors avoid unnecessary inconvenience, especially for those with loved ones in intensive care, maternity, or paediatric units.

Whether planning a routine visit or an urgent one, knowing Preston Hospital visiting times ensures a smoother experience for both visitors and patients.

Preston Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Preston Hospital visiting times is essential for ensuring a smooth and organised visit to a loved one. Visiting hours vary depending on the ward, patient condition, and hospital policies. By being aware of these guidelines, visitors can provide support while maintaining patient well-being and hospital efficiency.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Visitors should familiarise themselves with Preston Hospital visiting times, including restrictions that may apply to specific wards. These regulations ensure that patients receive adequate rest and care while allowing family members and friends to offer emotional support.

General Visiting Hours at Preston Hospital

The general visiting hours for most general wards at Preston Hospital are as follows:

• Monday to Sunday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Visitors should check in at the ward reception before entering.
• A maximum of two visitors per patient is allowed at any time.

Restrictions on Patient Visitation

To maintain a safe environment, the hospital enforces the following rules:

• Children under 12 years old are generally not permitted unless approved by the ward manager.
• Visitors displaying cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should postpone their visit.
• Mobile phones should be on silent mode to avoid disturbing patients.

Ensuring adherence to these patient visitation policies helps create a comfortable setting for both patients and healthcare staff.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Certain areas within Preston Hospital have specific visiting times and policies to ensure patient recovery and minimise disruptions. These include the maternity ward, children’s ward, and ICU. Understanding these variations can help visitors plan their visits effectively.

Maternity Ward Visiting Hours

The maternity ward at Preston Hospital allows visiting under specific guidelines to support new mothers and their babies while maintaining a calm and restful environment.

• Partners: Allowed to visit at any time to provide emotional support.
• Immediate Family (Including Siblings of the Baby):
  • 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, limited to two visitors per patient at a time.
• General Visitors:
  • Allowed during standard visiting hours (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM) but only with the mother’s consent.

For privacy reasons, visitors should be mindful of other patients in shared maternity wards.

Children’s Ward Visiting Policy

Children admitted to Preston Hospital’s paediatric unit require additional care, and visiting rules are adjusted accordingly.

• Parents and Guardians: Have 24/7 access to stay with their child.
• Siblings and Other Visitors:
  • 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Visits should be limited to two visitors at a time to avoid overcrowding.

To prevent the spread of infections, children under five are discouraged from visiting unless they are siblings of the patient.

ICU Visiting Hours and Restrictions

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has stricter visiting times due to the critical condition of patients.

• Standard ICU Visiting Hours:
  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Immediate Family Only:
  • Only one or two visitors allowed per session.
• Special Considerations:
  • Visitors may be allowed outside normal hours under special circumstances, but prior approval from the medical team is required.

To protect patient safety, hand hygiene protocols must be followed, and visitors may be required to wear protective equipment when entering the ICU ward.

By understanding these special visiting times, visitors can ensure they follow hospital protocols while providing comfort and support to their loved ones.

Evening and Emergency Visits

For visitors who cannot attend during standard Preston Hospital visiting times, the hospital provides specific guidelines for evening visits and emergency situations. These protocols ensure that patient care remains the priority while allowing visitors to be present when needed.

Evening Visiting Hours and Exceptions

While general visiting hours at Preston Hospital end at 7:00 PM, certain exceptions allow for evening visits under specific circumstances.

• Extended Evening Visits:
  • Available on request for patients requiring additional support.
  • Typically granted to close family members or primary caregivers.
• Critical or Palliative Care Patients:
  • Immediate family members may be allowed after 7:00 PM with prior approval from the ward staff.
• Parents of Hospitalised Children:
  • Allowed to stay overnight if needed, depending on the child’s condition and ward policies.

Evening visits must be arranged in advance with the ward manager to minimise disruption to other patients.

Emergency Visits for Critical Situations

In cases where a patient’s condition suddenly worsens, emergency visits may be permitted outside regular hours. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• When Are Emergency Visits Allowed?
  • Patients in intensive care or those undergoing emergency medical procedures.
  • End-of-life care situations where family presence is necessary.
• How to Request an Emergency Visit?
  • Contact the hospital switchboard or ward reception for immediate assistance.
  • Approval is required from the medical team before access is granted.

Security and Late-Night Access

For visitors arriving after 8:00 PM, additional security measures apply:

• All late-night visitors must report to the main reception.
• ID verification may be required for safety purposes.
• Hospital staff may escort visitors to and from the ward.

Evening and emergency visits are subject to hospital visitor regulations and should always be coordinated with the hospital staff. Following these guidelines helps maintain patient well-being while allowing families to be present when most needed.

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Hospital Visitor Policies at Preston

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors, Preston Hospital has established clear hospital visitor rules. These hospital policies are designed to protect patient privacy, minimise infection risks, and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

All visitors must follow these patient safety guidelines to support recovery and hospital efficiency.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

Visitors are expected to adhere to the following hospital policy to create a safe and respectful environment:

• Maximum Visitors per Patient:
  • General wards: Two visitors at a time.
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU): One or two visitors, as approved by medical staff.
• Visiting Hours Compliance:
  • Visitors must leave at the end of designated visiting hours unless prior approval is granted.
• Respect for Other Patients:
  • Keep noise levels low and avoid disrupting other patients.
  • Mobile phones should be on silent mode inside wards.

Failure to follow these hospital visitor rules may result in restricted access.

Patient Safety Guidelines for Visitors

To protect patient health and well-being, Preston Hospital enforces strict patient safety measures:

• Infection Control Protocols:
  • Visitors must wash or sanitise hands before and after entering a patient’s room.
  • If experiencing cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, visits should be postponed.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • In certain wards, face masks or gowns may be required to prevent infection risks.
• Bringing Food and Gifts:
  • Some wards restrict outside food for dietary or medical reasons.
  • Flowers may not be permitted in certain high-dependency areas.

These patient safety guidelines are in place to reduce health risks for both patients and hospital staff.

Special Policies for Vulnerable and High-Risk Patients

For patients in critical care, additional hospital visitor rules apply:

• End-of-Life and Palliative Care Patients:
  • Family members may visit outside normal visiting hours with prior approval.
• Neonatal and Paediatric Wards:
  • Parents/guardians have 24/7 access, but additional visitors must follow ward guidelines.
• Immunocompromised Patients:
  • Visitors may need to undergo temperature checks or wear protective clothing.

By following these hospital policies, visitors can support a safe and efficient healthcare environment.

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Directions and Parking at Preston Hospital

Knowing how to get to Preston Hospital and where to park can make visits easier and stress-free. Whether travelling by car, public transport, or taxi, visitors should plan their journey in advance to avoid delays. The hospital provides hospital visitor parking options and is well-connected to public transport services for convenient access.

How to Get to Preston Hospital

Preston Hospital is located at Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9HT, United Kingdom. Visitors can reach the hospital using various transport methods:

• By Car:
  • Preston Hospital is accessible via the M6 motorway (Junction 31A or 32).
  • Follow signposts for Royal Preston Hospital once near the city.
• By Train:
  • The nearest railway station is Preston Railway Station, approximately 3 miles from the hospital.
  • From the station, visitors can take a taxi or bus to the hospital.
• By Bus:
  • Several bus routes serve Preston Hospital, including:
    • Stagecoach Bus 19 (from Preston City Centre).
    • Lancashire Bus Services to nearby areas.
• By Taxi or Rideshare:
  • Local taxi services and Uber/Bolt are available for direct transport.

Planning ahead ensures a smooth and timely arrival.

Hospital Visitor Parking Options

Preston Hospital provides several hospital visitor parking areas, both on-site and off-site:

• Payment Methods: Cash, card, or mobile payments are accepted at parking machines.
• Drop-Off Zones: Available at main entrances, but limited to 15-minute stops.

Visitors should allow extra time for parking, as spaces can be limited during peak hours.

Public Transport Services to Preston Hospital

For those using public transport services, several options provide direct access to Preston Hospital:

• Bus Services:
  • Frequent services from Preston Bus Station.
  • Routes operate Monday to Sunday, with reduced services on bank holidays.
• Train Connections:
  • Mainline trains stop at Preston Railway Station with onward bus links.
• Cycling and Walking Routes:
  • Bicycle racks are available near the Main Entrance and Emergency Department.

Using public transport is often recommended during busy hours to avoid parking congestion.

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Contact Information for Preston Hospital

For any visitor enquiries or assistance, it is essential to have the correct hospital contact details. Preston Hospital provides multiple contact points for general information, department-specific queries, and patient assistance. Whether visitors need help with hospital visitor policies, appointment confirmations, or general directions, the following contact information will be useful.

Hospital Contact Details

Preston Hospital’s main contact numbers and email addresses are as follows:

For urgent assistance, visitors should call the main switchboard and request to be transferred to the appropriate department.

How to Get Assistance at Preston Hospital

For visitors needing assistance during their visit, the hospital provides several on-site services:

• Reception Desks: Located at the main entrance, outpatient department, and emergency ward.
• Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS): Available for patient concerns, feedback, and visitor assistance.
• Help Points: Found across the hospital for quick access to information and directions.

Hospital staff are available to assist visitors with mobility support, directions, and general queries.

Best Time to Contact Preston Hospital for Enquiries

To avoid long waiting times when making enquiries, visitors are advised to call during off-peak hours:

• Best Time to Call:
  • Morning: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Avoid Peak Hours:
  • Lunch Breaks (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
  • Shift Changeovers (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

For non-urgent queries, email contact is recommended, as responses are typically provided within 24 to 48 hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Preston Hospital

Visitors often have questions regarding Preston Hospital visiting times, hospital visitor rules, and patient safety guidelines. Below are answers to some of the most common enquiries to help ensure a smooth visit.

1. Can children visit patients at Preston Hospital?

Yes, but with restrictions. Children under 12 years old are generally not permitted in most wards unless approved by the ward manager. However, in the maternity ward and children’s ward, siblings of patients may be allowed under supervision. To prevent the spread of infections, it is advised that young children avoid visiting during flu season.

2. How many visitors are allowed per patient?

In general wards, two visitors per patient are allowed at any time during standard visiting hours (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM). The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has stricter regulations, permitting only one or two visitors depending on the patient’s condition. Special circumstances, such as palliative care, may allow additional visitors with prior approval.

3. Can I bring food or gifts for patients?

Visitors are allowed to bring food and gifts, but restrictions apply based on the patient’s dietary and medical needs. Some wards, such as ICU and high-dependency units, may prohibit certain food items. Fresh flowers are not allowed in certain areas due to infection control policies. It’s best to check with hospital staff before bringing outside items.

4. Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for visitors?

Preston Hospital follows infection control measures to ensure patient and visitor safety. Masks may be required in high-risk wards, and visitors experiencing symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID-19 should avoid visiting. Hand sanitisation stations are available throughout the hospital, and some areas may have limited visitor capacity.

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Understanding Preston Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for visitors while maintaining a calm and structured environment for patients.

By following the latest hospital guidelines, visitors can provide essential support to their loved ones while respecting ward-specific policies and patient safety measures.

For the most up-to-date information on Preston Hospital visiting times, always check with the hospital before planning your visit. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it, leave a comment, or explore more visitor-related insights on www.hospitalvisittimes.com.