Furness General Hospital Visiting Times – Hours & Rules 2025

Furness General Hospital visiting times play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the support they need while maintaining a structured and comfortable environment for recovery.

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

Understanding the latest guidelines helps visitors avoid unnecessary inconvenience and ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.

Whether visiting a loved one in general wards, maternity, or intensive care, knowing the correct Furness General Hospital visiting times allows for better planning and adherence to hospital policies.

Furness General Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Furness General Hospital visiting times is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when seeing a loved one. Visiting hours are structured to support patient recovery while allowing friends and family to offer emotional and practical support.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of general visiting hours, special ward timings, and guidance on evening and emergency visits.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

The standard Furness General Hospital visiting times apply to most general wards, with slight variations depending on hospital policies and patient needs. To maintain a safe and comfortable environment, visitors are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines.

• General Wards Visiting Hours:
  • Afternoon: 14:00 – 16:00
  • Evening: 18:30 – 20:00
  • Maximum of two visitors per patient at any time.
  • Children under 12 years old may require prior approval from ward staff.
• Patient Visitation Guidelines:
  • Visitors should sanitise their hands upon entering and leaving wards.
  • Refrain from visiting if experiencing flu, cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere for patient recovery.

Adhering to these general visiting hours ensures that patients receive ample rest while allowing family and friends to provide much-needed emotional support. If planning a visit, always check with the hospital for any last-minute updates or restrictions.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Some hospital wards have different Furness General Hospital visiting times due to the nature of patient care. Specialised units such as maternity, paediatrics, and intensive care operate under separate schedules to accommodate specific medical requirements.

• Maternity Ward Visiting Hours:
  • Partners: 09:00 – 21:00
  • Other visitors: 14:00 – 16:00 and 18:30 – 20:00
  • Only two visitors at a time, except for the mother’s partner.
• Children’s Ward Visiting Hours:
  • Parents and guardians: Open visiting policy
  • Other visitors: 10:00 – 20:00, subject to parental approval.
  • Siblings and children must be accompanied by an adult.
• ICU Visiting Hours:
  • Restricted to close family members only.
  • Limited visiting periods, generally 13:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 19:00.
  • ICU staff may permit extended visits under exceptional circumstances.

Each of these specialised wards has dedicated policies to prioritise patient health while allowing family members to provide necessary support. It is always advisable to contact the relevant department in advance to confirm the latest ICU visiting hours or maternity ward guidelines.

Evening and Emergency Visits

For those needing to visit outside standard hours, evening and emergency visitation policies are in place. These visits are granted under exceptional circumstances, such as critical illness or palliative care situations.

• Evening Visitation Requests:
  • Evening visits outside designated times must be pre-approved by the ward manager.
  • Special consideration is given to long-distance family members.
• Emergency Visiting Permissions:
  • For critically ill patients, immediate family may be allowed 24/7 access.
  • Hospital chaplaincy and support services are available upon request.

Evening and emergency visit requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The hospital staff are committed to accommodating urgent situations while ensuring that patient care remains the top priority.

Continue: Leighton Hospital Visiting Times

Hospital Visitor Policies at Furness General

Understanding the hospital visitor rules at Furness General Hospital is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. These guidelines help maintain patient safety, infection control, and a positive hospital experience for everyone.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the hospital policy to ensure smooth visitations while prioritising patient well-being.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

Furness General Hospital enforces specific visitor rules to create a structured and safe environment. These include:

• Visitor Limitations: A maximum of two visitors per patient at a time, unless prior approval is granted by hospital staff.
• Hand Hygiene Requirements: Visitors must sanitize their hands before and after entering a patient’s room.
• Symptom-Free Entry: Anyone experiencing cough, fever, diarrhoea, or flu-like symptoms should refrain from visiting for at least 48 hours after recovery.
• No Smoking Policy: The hospital grounds are completely smoke-free, including outdoor areas and car parks.
• Quiet Hours: Visitors should keep noise levels to a minimum and avoid using loud mobile devices inside wards.

These rules help maintain an optimal healing environment for patients while allowing family and friends to visit under safe conditions.

Patient Safety Guidelines for Visitors

Ensuring patient safety is a top priority at Furness General Hospital. Visitors play a key role in maintaining a clean and secure hospital setting.

• Avoid Sitting on Patient Beds: This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures hygiene is maintained.
• Supervised Child Visitors: Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Restricted Areas: Certain areas, such as intensive care units (ICU) and surgical recovery wards, may have limited visitor access to protect patient confidentiality and safety.
• Bringing Outside Food and Drinks: Only permitted if approved by ward staff, as some patients may have dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Respecting Privacy: Visitors should not take photos or videos without explicit permission from the patient and hospital staff.

These guidelines align with the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care while allowing visitors to show their support in an appropriate manner.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

In some cases, the hospital provides exceptions to standard visitor policies, particularly for patients requiring extra care or support.

• End-of-Life Visitation: Families may be allowed extended visits or overnight stays under palliative care circumstances.
• Carer Support Visits: Designated caregivers may be granted additional access to assist patients with special needs.
• Interpreter or Assistance Needs: Visitors helping patients with language barriers or mobility issues may receive extended visiting allowances.

Hospital staff assess special visitation requests on a case-by-case basis to ensure both patient care and visitor needs are accommodated appropriately.

Adhering to the hospital visitor rules ensures a structured, safe, and respectful environment for all. Before planning a visit, it is always advisable to check for any hospital policy updates to avoid any inconvenience.

See More: Southport Hospital Visiting Times

Directions and Parking at Furness General Hospital

Knowing how to get to Furness General Hospital and understanding the hospital visitor parking options can help make visits more convenient and stress-free. The hospital is accessible by car, public transport, and taxi services, with multiple parking areas available for visitors. Below is a guide on the best routes, transport services, and parking arrangements to help you plan your visit efficiently.

How to Get to Furness General Hospital

Furness General Hospital is located at Dalton Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF, United Kingdom. Visitors can reach the hospital using different transport methods:

• By Car:
  • From Barrow town centre, follow Abbey Road (A590) towards Dalton-in-Furness.
  • Turn onto Holker Street, then continue onto Dalton Lane, where the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • If using sat-nav, enter the postcode LA14 4LF for accurate directions.
• By Bus:
  • Stagecoach bus services operate regular routes to the hospital.
  • Bus numbers 6, X6, and 4 provide direct access to the hospital’s main entrance.
  • The nearest bus stop is Furness General Hospital (Main Entrance), located a short walk from the hospital reception.
• By Train:
  • The nearest railway station is Barrow-in-Furness Station, approximately 2 miles from the hospital.
  • Taxi services and local buses are available from the station to the hospital.
• By Taxi:
  • Several local taxi services operate in Barrow-in-Furness, providing direct transport to and from the hospital.
  • Taxis are available outside the main hospital entrance for patient and visitor convenience.

Planning your journey in advance ensures a hassle-free trip to Furness General Hospital, whether travelling by public transport, car, or taxi.

Hospital Visitor Parking Options

Furness General Hospital provides hospital visitor parking for patients, visitors, and staff. Several car parks are available, with designated areas for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

• Main Visitor Car Park:
  • Located near the main entrance, with easy access to hospital facilities.
  • Open 24/7, with payment machines available on-site.
• Disabled Parking (Blue Badge Holders):
  • Designated parking bays close to main hospital entrances.
  • Blue Badge must be displayed at all times.
• Short-Stay Parking:
  • Designed for drop-offs and quick visits (usually limited to 30 minutes).
  • Located near A&E and outpatient departments.

Parking Charges and Payment Methods

The hospital operates a pay-and-display parking system. Payment can be made using cash or contactless card at the parking meters.

• Free Parking Exemptions:
  • Blue Badge holders park free of charge.
  • Parents visiting children in the Children’s Ward may qualify for free parking (check with hospital reception).
  • Patients undergoing regular treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) can apply for a parking permit.
• Payment Methods:
  • Cash or card at pay stations.
  • Mobile payment apps may be available at certain locations.

Alternative Transport Services

For those who prefer alternative transport services, Furness General Hospital works with community transport providers to assist visitors who may have difficulty using public transport.

• Patient Transport Services (PTS): Available for eligible patients who require assistance travelling to and from appointments.
• Local Community Transport Schemes: Certain voluntary organisations offer hospital transport for elderly and disabled patients.
• Hospital Shuttle Services: Occasionally available for staff and patients travelling from nearby NHS facilities.

Checking hospital visitor parking policies and transport options beforehand ensures a smoother visit to Furness General Hospital. Always allow extra time for parking and travel delays, especially during peak visiting hours.

Try Reading: Grimsby Hospital Visiting Times

Contact Information for Furness General Hospital

For any visitor enquiries, appointment-related questions, or assistance, having the correct hospital contact details is essential. Furness General Hospital provides multiple ways for visitors, patients, and caregivers to get in touch with the relevant departments for guidance and support.

Hospital Main Contact Details

• Main Hospital Switchboard: 01229 870870
• Hospital Address: Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF, United Kingdom
• Official Website: uhmb.nhs.uk

The hospital switchboard operates 24/7 and can direct calls to the appropriate department based on the visitor’s needs.

Visitor Enquiries and Assistance

For those needing visitor information, appointment confirmation, or ward-specific guidance, the following contact details may be useful:

• General Visiting Enquiries: 01229 870870 (ask for the relevant ward)
• Outpatient Department: 01229 404040 (for appointment queries and rescheduling)
• Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department: 01229 870870 (for urgent medical concerns)
• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): 01229 404403 (for patient support and visitor feedback)
• Maternity Unit Reception: 01229 870870 (ask for maternity ward enquiries)

For non-urgent visitor queries, it’s recommended to call during hospital office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

Special Assistance and Accessibility Support

Furness General Hospital ensures that visitors requiring special assistance can access appropriate support services.

• Accessibility Assistance: Wheelchairs and mobility aids are available at the hospital main entrance.
• Hearing and Interpretation Services: Interpreters and sign language support can be arranged upon request.
• Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care: 01229 870870 (ask for the chaplaincy service) for emotional and spiritual support.
• Lost and Found Items: 01229 870870 (contact hospital reception for lost belongings).

For visitors requiring extra support, it’s best to notify the hospital in advance to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

Having the right hospital contact details makes it easier for visitors and patients to navigate their hospital experience efficiently. For urgent visitor enquiries, calling the main switchboard is the fastest way to get assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Furness General Hospital

Visitors often have questions regarding hospital policies, visiting hours, and special arrangements. Below are four of the most commonly asked questions to help ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.

1. What are the standard visiting hours at Furness General Hospital?

Furness General Hospital visiting times vary by ward, but general visiting hours are:

• Afternoon: 14:00 – 16:00
• Evening: 18:30 – 20:00
• Specialised wards, such as ICU and maternity, have different visiting hours. It is advisable to check with the hospital for specific times before visiting.

2. Can children visit patients at Furness General Hospital?

Yes, but with some restrictions:

• Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Visiting children should be in good health (no flu, cold, or stomach bugs).
• Some wards, like ICU and high-risk units, may have further restrictions. It’s best to confirm with hospital staff before bringing young visitors.

3. Is parking available for hospital visitors, and what are the charges?

Yes, hospital visitor parking is available near the main entrance. The standard parking charges are:

• Blue Badge holders park for free.
• Parents visiting children in the Children’s Ward may qualify for free parking (ask hospital reception for details).

4. What should I do if I need to visit outside standard hours?

For evening or emergency visits:

• Approval is required from the ward manager or hospital staff.
• In critical or end-of-life situations, immediate family members may be allowed 24/7 access.
• Contact the hospital switchboard (01229 870870) to request permission for out-of-hours visits.

Checking with the hospital beforehand ensures a smooth visit and prevents any inconvenience due to unexpected policy changes.

Please Read: Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital Visiting Times

Planning visits according to Furness General Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth and stress-free experience while supporting patient recovery.

Understanding specific ward schedules, visitor policies, and parking options helps avoid unexpected disruptions and makes every visit more meaningful.

If this guide has been helpful, feel free to share it with others who may need it.

Leave a comment with your thoughts or visit www.hospitalvisittimes.com for more hospital-related visitor information and updates.