Doncaster Hospital Visiting Times – Hours & Rules 2025

Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to realise you weren’t sure about the correct visiting hours?

Doncaster hospital visiting times are essential for anyone planning to see a loved one, ensuring visits take place at the right time without disrupting patient care.

Understanding the specific schedules for general wards, maternity units, and intensive care helps visitors avoid unnecessary delays or disappointment.

Before heading to the hospital, it’s important to check the latest Doncaster hospital visiting times to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Doncaster Hospital Visiting Times

Knowing the Doncaster hospital visiting times is essential for anyone planning to visit a loved one. Visiting hours vary depending on the ward, patient condition, and hospital policies.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the visiting hours for general wards, special departments, and emergency cases to help visitors plan their visits accordingly.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Most general wards at Doncaster Hospital follow a standard schedule for patient visitation to ensure a balance between patient recovery and time with loved ones.

Standard Visiting Hours at Doncaster Hospital

The general Doncaster hospital visiting times for most wards are:

• Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Maximum visitors per patient: Up to two at a time
• Quiet hours for rest: Visitors may be asked to leave during mealtimes and evening rest periods.

These visiting hours ensure that patients receive necessary medical attention while also having time for family support.

Visiting Restrictions and Guidelines

To maintain patient safety and hospital efficiency, visitors must follow these guidelines:

• Arrive within the designated visiting hours and avoid overcrowding.
• Keep visits brief and quiet to avoid disturbing other patients.
• Wash hands before and after the visit to prevent infections.
• Do not visit if experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or cold.

For the latest updates on Doncaster hospital visiting times, it’s best to check with the hospital before visiting, as policies may change due to health regulations.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Some hospital departments have different visiting times due to the nature of patient care required. Below are the specific Doncaster hospital visiting times for critical units such as the maternity ward, children’s ward, and ICU visiting hours.

Maternity Ward Visiting Hours

• Partners: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Other visitors: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Restrictions: Children under 16 (except siblings of newborns) are not allowed to visit.

The maternity ward allows partners longer visitation times to support mothers and newborns while ensuring patient comfort.

Children’s Ward Visiting Hours

• Parents/guardians: Open visiting hours
• Other visitors: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Special considerations: Only immediate family is allowed, and visits must be supervised.

For young patients, parental presence is prioritised to provide emotional support during hospital stays.

ICU Visiting Hours

• Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Weekends: 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Number of visitors per patient: One or two at a time

The ICU visiting hours are more restrictive due to the critical nature of care. It’s recommended to call the hospital before visiting ICU patients to ensure minimal disruption to treatment.

Evening and Emergency Visits

For those needing to visit outside normal visiting hours, Doncaster Hospital has specific policies for evening visits and emergency cases.

Evening Visiting Policy

• In most general wards, visits after 8:00 PM are not allowed unless approved by hospital staff.
• Some wards allow extended visits for immediate family under special circumstances.

Emergency Visits and Exceptions

• In critical situations, close family members may be granted permission to visit outside standard hours.
• End-of-life patients may have open visitation, subject to hospital approval.
• Carers or guardians for vulnerable patients (such as those with disabilities) may be permitted outside normal visiting hours.

For any urgent cases, contacting the hospital’s reception or ward directly ensures that the appropriate arrangements are made.

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Hospital Visitor Policies at Doncaster

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and visitors, Doncaster Hospital has strict hospital visitor rules in place. These policies are designed to balance the need for patient recovery with the benefits of social support.

Adhering to these hospital policy guidelines helps maintain patient safety and ensures an efficient healthcare environment.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

Visitors are expected to follow these basic hospital visitor rules when entering Doncaster Hospital:

• Maximum Visitors: A maximum of two visitors per patient at a time, unless stated otherwise by medical staff.
• Health & Hygiene: All visitors must wash their hands before and after visiting a patient to minimise the risk of infections.
• Illness Restrictions: Anyone experiencing cold, flu, diarrhoea, vomiting, or other infectious symptoms should avoid visiting until symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
• Noise Control: Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode, and loud conversations should be minimised to maintain a restful environment.
• Food & Drink: Visitors should avoid bringing in outside food unless explicitly permitted by the ward. Some wards may have strict dietary regulations for patients.

These hospital visitor rules are in place to create a secure and healthy atmosphere for everyone inside the hospital.

Patient Safety Guidelines for Visitors

Ensuring patient safety is a top priority. Visitors must adhere to these safety measures while inside Doncaster Hospital:

• Emergency Procedures: In the event of a fire alarm or emergency, follow hospital staff instructions and do not use the lifts.
• Children as Visitors: Children are allowed in most wards but must be supervised at all times. Some areas, such as intensive care units, may have restrictions on child visitors.
• Bringing Personal Items: Only bring essential personal items for the patient, as clutter around hospital beds can be a safety risk.
• Avoid Sitting on Beds: Visitors should use chairs provided instead of sitting on patient beds to prevent contamination and maintain hygiene.

These patient safety guidelines help ensure that visits are beneficial without compromising the well-being of those receiving medical care.

Special Visitor Policies for High-Risk Wards

Certain wards have stricter visitor policies due to the vulnerability of their patients.

Critical Care and ICU Visitor Rules

• Only one or two visitors at a time to avoid overcrowding.
• Visits may be limited to close family members only.
• Visits should be kept short and quiet to prevent excessive strain on patients.

Maternity and Children’s Wards Policies

• Partners are encouraged to be present, but other visitors must follow specific time slots.
• Only immediate family members are allowed in the neonatal unit.
• No visitors under 16 years old, unless they are siblings of the newborn.

These hospital visitor rules help safeguard the health of vulnerable patients while allowing loved ones to provide support where possible.

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Directions and Parking at Doncaster Hospital

Finding the best way to reach Doncaster Hospital and securing hospital visitor parking can help make visits smoother.

Whether travelling by car, public transport, or taxi, knowing how to get to Doncaster Hospital in advance ensures a hassle-free experience. Below are details on the best transport services available and parking options for visitors.

How to Get to Doncaster Hospital

Doncaster Hospital is centrally located and accessible by various transport services. The main hospital entrance is on Armthorpe Road, Doncaster, DN2 5LT.

Travelling by Car

• From Sheffield: Take the A630 towards Doncaster and follow signs for the hospital.
• From Leeds: Use the A1(M), exit at Junction 36, and follow signs to Doncaster.
• From Rotherham: Travel via the M18, exiting at Junction 3 for Doncaster city centre.

The hospital is well signposted, making it easy to find when approaching from any major route.

Public Transport Options

For visitors using public transport, several bus routes and train services provide easy access to the hospital.

• By Bus:
  • Bus routes 21, 25, 29, and 81 stop near the hospital.
  • Buses run frequently from Doncaster Interchange to the hospital entrance.
• By Train:
  • Doncaster Railway Station is approximately 1.5 miles from the hospital.
  • Taxis and buses are available outside the station for direct transfers.

These transport services make it convenient for visitors travelling from across South Yorkshire and beyond.

Hospital Visitor Parking at Doncaster Hospital

Parking at Doncaster Hospital is available for patients and visitors, but spaces can be limited during peak hours.

• Disabled Parking: Available in all car parks, free of charge for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-Off Zones: Located near the Emergency Department and Main Entrance.

To avoid delays, arriving 15-20 minutes early is recommended to secure a parking spot.

Alternative Transport and Park & Ride Services

For visitors who prefer to avoid hospital parking, alternative options are available:

• Park & Ride: Located at Doncaster Racecourse, providing free parking with shuttle buses to the hospital.
• Taxi Services: Several taxi ranks are positioned near Doncaster Railway Station and the hospital’s main entrance.
• Cycling & Walking: Secure bike racks are available near the main entrance for those cycling to the hospital.

These transport alternatives help reduce congestion and offer more convenient ways to get to Doncaster Hospital.

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Contact Information for Doncaster Hospital

For any queries regarding Doncaster Hospital visiting times, patient care, or hospital services, having the correct hospital contact details is essential.

Below is a list of the key departments and services to assist with visitor enquiries and general assistance.

Main Hospital Contact Details

Visitors and patients can reach Doncaster Hospital through the following channels:

• Main Switchboard: 01302 366666
• Hospital Address: Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Armthorpe Road, Doncaster, DN2 5LT
• Official Website: Visit the NHS Doncaster and Bassetlaw Trust website for the latest updates.

For specific department enquiries, calling the main switchboard and requesting to be transferred is the most efficient option.

Visitor Enquiries and Assistance

For help regarding visiting hours, patient conditions, or accessibility, use the following contact points:

Ward Contact Numbers

Each ward has a direct number for visitor enquiries:

• Critical Care Unit (ICU & HDU): 01302 642022
• Maternity Unit (Ward M1 & M2): 01302 642815
• Children’s Ward: 01302 642683
• Accident & Emergency Department: 01302 642335

Patient Helpline

For general patient enquiries or hospital assistance, contact the Patient Experience Team at:

• Phone: 01302 642764
• Email: (Available on the official NHS website)

This service assists with concerns about patient care, hospital stays, and visitor support.

Emergency and Out-of-Hours Contact

For urgent matters outside standard hospital hours, use the following:

• Emergency Department (A&E): Open 24/7 for critical cases.
• NHS 111 Service: Call 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
• On-Duty Nurse for Urgent Patient Updates: Contactable via the hospital switchboard after visiting hours.

For any medical emergencies, call 999 immediately.

Accessibility and Special Assistance for Visitors

Doncaster Hospital provides services for visitors requiring additional support:

• Disabled Access & Wheelchairs: Available at all hospital entrances.
• Interpreter Services: Book in advance through the Patient Experience Team.
• Carer & Family Support: Special arrangements for long-term patient visitors.

For more information on visitor assistance, it’s best to call ahead and confirm services based on specific needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Doncaster Hospital

To help visitors plan their trips smoothly, here are answers to some common questions regarding Doncaster Hospital visiting times and policies.

1. Can children visit patients at Doncaster Hospital?

Yes, but with some restrictions. In general wards, children may visit under adult supervision, but in high-risk areas such as the ICU, neonatal unit, and maternity wards, only immediate family members are allowed. Parents should check with the ward before bringing young visitors.

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

For urgent or special circumstances, such as end-of-life visits or compassionate exceptions, families should contact the hospital ward directly. Some departments allow extended hours for partners of maternity patients and carers for vulnerable patients.

3. Is there free parking for visitors at Doncaster Hospital?

No, hospital visitor parking is charged based on the duration of stay. However, disabled Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated areas. There is also a Park & Ride service available at Doncaster Racecourse with free shuttle buses to the hospital.

4. Can I bring food or gifts for patients?

Visitors can bring small personal items, such as books or toiletries, but some wards have restrictions on outside food and flowers due to infection control policies. It’s recommended to check with the ward before bringing any items.

Planning a visit to a loved one becomes easier when you know the Doncaster hospital visiting times and follow the hospital’s visitor policies.

Understanding the schedules for general wards, maternity units, and critical care helps ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

For the latest updates on Doncaster hospital visiting times, check with the hospital directly or visit official sources.

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