Darlington Memorial Hospital Visiting Times | Updated 2025

Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times are essential for anyone planning to see a loved one in hospital.

Knowing the correct visiting hours helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures visits align with hospital policies.

Many visitors are unsure about the best times to visit, especially with specific rules for different wards and special circumstances.

This guide provides up-to-date details on Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times so visitors can plan their trips efficiently and without confusion.

Darlington Memorial Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times is essential for planning a visit to a loved one. Ensuring you arrive at the right time allows for a smooth experience while complying with hospital guidelines. Visiting hours may vary depending on the ward and patient condition, so checking the latest updates is highly recommended.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

For most wards, Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times follow a structured schedule to ensure patient well-being while allowing family and friends to provide emotional support. Each ward has specific rules to balance visitation with recovery time.

General Visiting Hours for Inpatients

Following are the Darlington Memorial Hospital Visiting Times:

• Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Bank Holidays: Hours may vary; check with the hospital before visiting.

Restrictions for Patient Visitation

• Visitors are limited to two people per patient at a time to maintain a comfortable environment.
• Children under 12 years old may only visit in exceptional cases and with prior permission.
• Hand sanitisation is mandatory upon entering and exiting wards to reduce infection risks.
• Visitors with cold, flu, or other contagious illnesses should avoid visiting to protect vulnerable patients.

Following these guidelines helps maintain a safe and supportive environment for all patients at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Different wards at Darlington Memorial Hospital have specific visiting times and policies to cater to patient needs. Special care areas, including maternity, paediatrics, and intensive care, follow separate guidelines.

Maternity Ward

• Partners and one chosen birthing companion may visit anytime outside of medical procedures.
• Visiting hours for close family: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Siblings of the newborn may visit but must be accompanied by an adult.

Children’s Ward

• Parents and guardians can visit 24/7.
• Other family members: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Only two visitors allowed per patient at a time.

ICU Visiting Hours

• Visits are generally restricted to close family members only.
• Visiting hours: By arrangement with the ward.
• Stay duration is limited to 15–30 minutes per visit to minimise patient stress.

Following these schedules ensures each ward operates efficiently while prioritising patient care.

Evening and Emergency Visits

For visitors unable to attend during standard hours, the hospital provides flexibility in special cases.

Evening Visits for Working Relatives

• Arrangements can be made for late visits after 8:00 PM, especially for those travelling long distances.
• Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis by the ward manager.

Emergency Visitation for Critical Cases

• In life-threatening or end-of-life situations, 24/7 visitation is allowed for immediate family.
• Contact the hospital for urgent requests to arrange access.

Overnight Stays for Family Support

• Overnight stays may be granted for critical patients or those requiring additional support.
• Facilities for overnight visitors may be limited, so advance arrangements are necessary.

Special visits should be discussed with hospital staff to ensure patient needs are met while accommodating family support.

See More: Royal Infirmary Hospital Visiting Times | Updated

Hospital Visitor Policies at Darlington Memorial

Understanding the hospital visitor rules at Darlington Memorial Hospital is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and visitors. The hospital follows strict hospital policy and patient safety guidelines to maintain the highest standards of care. Visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these rules before arriving.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

To maintain a peaceful and safe atmosphere, the hospital has established the following visitor guidelines:

• Maximum of two visitors per patient at any given time to prevent overcrowding.
• No visitors under the age of 12, unless special permission is granted by the ward staff.
• No photography or video recording is allowed in patient areas to protect patient privacy.
• Visitors must sanitise their hands before entering and leaving wards to prevent infections.
• Quiet hours must be observed, particularly in the evening, to allow patients to rest.

Compliance with these rules ensures the safety and comfort of all patients and staff.

COVID-19 and Infection Control Guidelines

The hospital follows strict infection control policies to protect vulnerable patients from contagious illnesses. The following measures are in place:

• Visitors showing symptoms of flu, COVID-19, or other contagious illnesses should refrain from visiting.
• Face masks may be required in certain wards, especially for high-risk patients.
• Hand hygiene stations are available at entrances and must be used before entering patient rooms.
• Social distancing may still be encouraged in high-risk areas, such as intensive care units.

Checking for the latest hospital policy on infection control before visiting is advised, as guidelines may change based on public health recommendations.

Food, Gifts, and Personal Items for Patients

Visitors are welcome to bring certain items for patients, but some restrictions apply for health and safety reasons:

Allowed Items:

• Small sealed snacks or drinks (must comply with dietary restrictions).
• Books, magazines, and small entertainment devices (headphones required).
• Flowers and plants are permitted in most wards except intensive care units.

Restricted Items:

• Homemade food is not allowed due to hygiene and allergy concerns.
• Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
• Latex balloons are not allowed due to allergy risks.

Always check with the ward staff if unsure about an item before bringing it to a patient.

Quiet Hours and Overnight Stays

Darlington Memorial Hospital enforces quiet hours to allow patients to rest and recover:

• General quiet hours: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM.
• ICU and High Dependency Units: Stricter quiet policies apply throughout the day.
• Overnight stays are only allowed for exceptional cases, such as palliative care or critical patients.

Family members requesting an overnight stay should speak with the ward manager to discuss arrangements.

Try Reading: Altnagelvin Hospital Visiting Times | Updated

Directions and Parking at Darlington Memorial Hospital

Finding the best route and hospital visitor parking at Darlington Memorial Hospital is essential for a smooth and stress-free visit. Whether arriving by car, public transport, or other means, understanding how to get to Darlington Memorial Hospital and the available transport services ensures a hassle-free experience.

How to Get to Darlington Memorial Hospital

The hospital is located at:

• Darlington Memorial Hospital
• Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX

There are multiple transport services available for visitors:

By Car

• Easily accessible via the A167 and A68, connecting to major routes.
• If using a sat-nav, enter postcode DL3 6HX for precise directions.
• Allow extra time for parking during peak hours.

By Bus

• Several bus routes stop near the hospital, including services from Arriva North East and Go North East.
• The nearest bus stop is on Hollyhurst Road, just a short walk from the hospital entrance.

By Train

• Darlington Railway Station is the nearest train station, located 1.5 miles from the hospital.
• Taxis and local buses provide quick transport from the station to the hospital.

By Taxi or Rideshare

• Taxi ranks are available outside Darlington Railway Station.
• Rideshare services like Uber and local taxi firms operate in the area.

For those unfamiliar with the area, checking local traffic updates can help avoid delays.

Hospital Visitor Parking Options

There are multiple hospital visitor parking areas available for patients and visitors.

Main Visitor Car Park

• Location: Near the main entrance on Hollyhurst Road.
• Charges:
  • Up to 2 hours – £2.00
  • Up to 4 hours – £3.50
  • Over 4 hours – £6.00
  • All-day parking – £8.00
• Payment methods include cash, contactless, and mobile app payments.

Disabled Parking

• Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays.
• Ensure a valid Blue Badge is displayed on the dashboard.

Drop-Off and Short-Stay Parking

• Free 15-minute drop-off zones are available outside the main entrance.
• Short-stay bays are available but have a strict 30-minute limit.

Checking the hospital website or signage on arrival is advised for any changes in parking policies.

Alternative Parking and Transport Services

If the main hospital car park is full, additional hospital visitor parking is available nearby.

Alternative Public Car Parks

• Abbey Road Car Park (5-minute walk) – £1.50 per hour
• Park Place Car Park (10-minute walk) – £1.00 per hour

Park and Ride Services

• No direct Park and Ride to the hospital, but public transport options are available from Darlington Town Centre.

Cycling to the Hospital

• Bicycle racks are available near the main entrance.
• Cycling is encouraged for local visitors to reduce congestion.

Please Read: Royal Glam Hospital Visiting Times | Updated

Contact Information for Darlington Memorial Hospital

For visitors, patients, or those making visitor enquiries, having the correct hospital contact details ensures smooth communication and easy access to assistance. Whether you need information about visiting hours, patient care, or hospital services, Darlington Memorial Hospital provides multiple ways to get in touch.

Main Hospital Contact Details

• Darlington Memorial Hospital
• Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX
• General Enquiries: 01325 380100
• Email: Available via the official NHS website contact form.

For urgent concerns regarding patient visits, contacting the hospital reception is recommended before arrival.

Visitor Enquiries and Ward Contact Numbers

For specific visitor enquiries or to check visiting arrangements, it is best to contact the relevant ward directly.

Commonly Contacted Wards:

• General Inpatients: 01325 743 200
• Maternity Ward: 01325 743 314
• Children’s Ward: 01325 743 270
• ICU (Intensive Care Unit): 01325 743 500

If unsure about the ward number, calling the main reception can help direct your query to the right department.

Assistance for Patients and Visitors

The hospital offers various support services for both patients and visitors.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

• Provides help with hospital policies, complaints, and patient rights.
• Contact PALS: 01325 743 365

Emergency Assistance

• For medical emergencies, always call 999 instead of contacting the hospital directly.
• If you require urgent but non-emergency medical advice, call NHS 111.

Parking and Transport Assistance

• Hospital visitor parking enquiries: 01325 743 600
• Assistance is available for disabled parking arrangements.

How to Stay Updated on Hospital Information

Visitors are encouraged to check official hospital updates for any changes in visiting policies, patient safety guidelines, or hospital services.

• Official NHS Website: Provides the latest announcements on visiting hours and patient care policies.
• Social Media Pages: Updates on hospital operations, public health alerts, and visitor restrictions.
• Local NHS Trust Website: Contains full details on Darlington Memorial Hospital’s services and patient care guidelines.

Let’s Read: Antrim Hospital Visiting Times | Updated

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Darlington Memorial Hospital

Visitors often have common concerns regarding Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times, hospital visitor rules, and patient safety guidelines. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help make your visit as smooth as possible.

1. What are the standard visiting hours at Darlington Memorial Hospital?

The general visiting times for most wards are:

• Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Bank Holidays: Hours may vary; check with the hospital before visiting.

Certain wards, such as the Maternity Ward, Children’s Ward, and ICU, have different schedules. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly for specific visiting arrangements.

2. Can I visit a patient outside of standard visiting hours?

Special arrangements can be made for visitors who need to come outside of normal hours due to:

• Emergency or end-of-life care situations
• Long-distance travel constraints
• Critical patient conditions requiring additional support

Approval must be granted by the ward manager or hospital staff before an out-of-hours visit.

3. Is there parking available for visitors at Darlington Memorial Hospital?

Yes, there is hospital visitor parking near the main entrance on Hollyhurst Road. Parking charges apply:

• Up to 2 hours: £2.00
• Up to 4 hours: £3.50
• Over 4 hours: £6.00
• All-day parking: £8.00

Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays. Free drop-off zones are also available outside the main entrance.

4. Are children allowed to visit patients?

Children under 12 years old are generally not permitted to visit unless:

• The patient is a parent or close relative.
• Special permission is granted by hospital staff.
• The visit is to a maternity or children’s ward with prior approval.

For safety reasons, children must always be supervised by an adult during visits.

Planning visits according to Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth experience while respecting hospital policies and patient well-being. Understanding specific ward schedules, visitor guidelines, and available facilities helps avoid confusion and makes every visit more meaningful.

For the latest updates on Darlington Memorial Hospital visiting times, check official sources or contact the hospital directly. If you found this information helpful, share it with others, leave a comment with your experience, or explore more hospital visit guides on www.hospitalvisittimes.com.