Glan Clwyd Hospital visiting times are typically from 10 am to 8 pm daily, with up to two visitors allowed per patient. Visiting policies vary by ward, so it’s essential to check in advance especially for maternity, paediatric or neonatal units.
Planning to visit a loved one at Glan Clwyd Hospital in North Wales? Whether you’re a parent heading to the neonatal ward or a friend visiting after surgery, knowing the right visiting hours and hospital protocols helps make the experience smoother and safer.
This guide breaks down everything from general times to special rules during infection outbreaks, based on the latest NHS Wales guidance.
We’ve included details on parking, ward access, safety requirements and who can visit when—so you can arrive informed and prepared.
Glan Clwyd Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Visiting Schedule
Glan Clwyd Hospital’s general visiting hours run daily from 10 am to 8 pm, allowing families and friends to see patients throughout most of the day. This schedule is designed to give patients essential rest time while offering flexibility for visitors who may work or travel from nearby areas such as Rhyl, Bodelwyddan or Denbigh.
Visiting outside these hours is typically discouraged unless agreed in advance with the ward manager, especially in sensitive areas like high dependency or intensive care units. The NHS Wales guidance encourages visitors to come during designated hours to support patient recovery and reduce staff disruptions.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or staying longer with someone receiving long-term care, it’s best to stick to this timeframe unless exceptional permission is given.
Number of Visitors Allowed
As of the latest policy from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, up to two visitors are allowed per patient at any one time in most adult wards. This ensures a calm and supportive environment without overwhelming the patient or clinical staff.
Children under 16 may be restricted from visiting certain areas unless they are close family members, and all visitors are expected to follow hygiene protocols strictly. In end-of-life or compassionate cases, more visitors may be permitted temporarily, but this is at the ward’s discretion.
Visitors should coordinate among themselves to avoid overlapping times and ensure patients are not overwhelmed, especially those in recovery or post-surgery wards.
When Visits May Be Restricted or Adjusted
Visiting times at Glan Clwyd may change on short notice due to infection control concerns, such as during flu season, norovirus outbreaks, or spikes in COVID-19 cases. In such situations, the hospital may restrict access to specific wards or limit visiting to only essential or compassionate reasons.
In these instances, staff will communicate with families directly or via the hospital’s website and social media channels. It’s always wise to call ahead or check the Betsi Cadwaladr UHB website before travelling.
Visiting Paediatrics and the Neonatal Unit
Parent and Carer Access
Parents and primary carers are given unrestricted access to their child in Glan Clwyd Hospital’s paediatric and neonatal wards. This open access approach recognises the vital role of parental presence in a child’s comfort and recovery, particularly in neonatal care where bonding and feeding support are critical.
While both parents or carers can typically visit during the day, only one is permitted to stay overnight. Visiting outside regular hours is usually allowed for parents, especially in urgent or emotionally significant circumstances.
Hospital staff encourage carers to communicate directly with ward teams, especially in high-dependency or special care baby units, where tailored arrangements are often required.
Sibling Visits and Rules
Siblings are welcome to visit children admitted to paediatric or neonatal units, but there are a few conditions.
No more than two people are allowed around the bedside at any one time including children so siblings must be accompanied by an adult and kept under supervision.
Hospital staff recommend that siblings do not visit if they’re feeling unwell or showing symptoms of coughs, colds or stomach bugs, to avoid transmission to vulnerable patients. Some paediatric units may limit sibling visits during peak infection periods or when ward capacity is strained.
Bringing quiet toys, books, or activities can help keep younger siblings engaged during visits, especially in shared bay settings.
COVID and Seasonal Infection Restrictions
During periods of heightened health risk such as COVID-19 surges, flu season, or norovirus outbreaks Glan Clwyd’s paediatric and neonatal wards may introduce temporary visiting limits. These restrictions may include:
- Limiting visits to parents/carers only.
- Reducing sibling or grandparent access.
- Imposing time limits on bedside visits.
In these cases, staff will make efforts to support families through phone updates, video calls, or scheduled visitation slots. End-of-life and compassionate exceptions are generally maintained, even during restricted periods.
Visitors are urged to check the hospital’s current guidelines online or call the ward directly for the latest updates before attending.
Maternity Ward Visiting Times
Antenatal and Postnatal Ward Times
Visitors to Glan Clwyd Hospital’s maternity wards can attend during two main windows: 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. During these periods, up to two visitors per patient are allowed at the bedside.
This helps maintain a calm, controlled environment for new mothers and newborns, while balancing the need for rest and care delivery.
Unlike earlier pandemic restrictions, no advance booking is currently required for general visits. However, visitors are still encouraged to keep visits brief and mindful of shared bay spaces, particularly in postnatal recovery.
These hours apply to both antenatal (pre-birth) and postnatal (after delivery) wards, but individual units may vary slightly depending on staffing, occupancy, and patient need.
Labour Ward and Birth Partner Guidance
During labour, women may be accompanied by up to two birth partners in the delivery suite. This policy reflects NHS Wales guidance on ensuring emotional and practical support during childbirth, while maintaining safety and space for staff.
In theatre or emergency delivery situations, only one birth partner may be permitted due to space and sterility requirements. This person is often the primary support partner and should be prepared to stay with the patient for the duration.
Staff encourage birth partners to bring snacks, entertainment, and overnight essentials, especially during longer or induced labours.
Quiet Hours and Protected Rest Periods
Glan Clwyd maternity wards observe protected rest time between 12 pm and 2 pm, during which no general visiting is allowed, except for one nominated birth partner. This window is vital for patient recovery, newborn feeding, and ward hygiene routines.
Visitors are respectfully asked to plan around this rest period and avoid knocking or calling during those hours. The hospital team may also temporarily pause visiting at other times if the unit is busy or undergoing cleaning.
For those needing flexibility due to work, childcare, or travel constraints, it’s best to contact the ward in advance to discuss alternative arrangements.
Infection Control and Safety Measures
What Visitors Must Do on Arrival
All visitors to Glan Clwyd Hospital must follow strict hygiene protocols to help protect vulnerable patients. This includes:
- Using alcohol hand rub upon entering the hospital, each ward, and after touching any surfaces.
- Wearing a face mask if requested particularly in high-risk wards or during outbreaks.
- Avoiding visits if feeling unwell, especially if experiencing symptoms such as a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever.
These measures are based on NHS Wales guidance and are regularly updated in line with infection prevention standards. Ward staff may also ask visitors to wear aprons or gloves when entering rooms with patients who are immunocompromised or receiving special care.
It’s recommended to carry personal hand sanitiser and a spare mask, especially when visiting multiple areas or staying for extended periods.
Restrictions During Flu or COVID Outbreaks
If there is a surge in flu, norovirus, or COVID-19 cases, the hospital may limit or temporarily suspend visiting to affected wards. In such cases, access may be granted only for:
- End-of-life care
- Maternity partners
- Parents of paediatric/neonatal patients
- Carers for patients with additional needs
Restrictions are based on public health risk assessments, and decisions are made by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in coordination with Welsh Government advice. Announcements are usually posted on the hospital’s website and local news channels.
If your visit is essential during an outbreak, it’s vital to call the ward beforehand to confirm access and requirements.
Exceptions for End-of-Life or Compassionate Care
Compassionate exceptions are always considered at Glan Clwyd Hospital, especially for:
- Patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care
- People with complex mental health needs
- Those with communication or learning difficulties requiring a familiar carer
In such cases, visiting hours may be extended or adjusted entirely based on the patient’s needs and family circumstances. Visitors may be asked to wear additional PPE and remain at the bedside without moving through other areas of the ward.
It’s important to speak directly with the nurse-in-charge or ward manager to request such access, and to follow any additional instructions carefully.
Practical Tips for Visiting Glan Clwyd
Parking Information
Glan Clwyd Hospital offers on-site car parking for patients and visitors, with both short- and long-stay options available.
Parking is free in most areas, as per Welsh Government policy, but time limits may apply in certain zones to ensure availability.
Visitor car parks are signposted upon arrival, and disabled parking spaces are located near main entrances. During busy periods especially weekends and visiting peak hours (2–4 pm and 6–8 pm)—spaces may be limited, so arriving early is advisable.
Some wards may also provide temporary parking permits for long-stay visitors; these can be requested at reception or from ward staff.
What to Bring or Avoid
To ensure a smooth visit, bring only essential items such as:
- A phone (on silent)
- ID or parking permit
- Clean clothes or items for the patient, if requested
- A bottle of water or light snack for yourself
Avoid bringing flowers, bulky gifts, or food for patients unless specifically permitted. These may be restricted in certain wards, especially intensive care or post-operative units.
Also, refrain from bringing young children unless they are close family members and are not showing any signs of illness.
How to Check Ward-Specific Updates
Visiting rules can vary slightly between wards, especially during infection surges or operational pressures. It’s highly recommended to:
- Call the hospital switchboard on 01745 583910 to reach a specific ward
- Check the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board website for live updates
- Ask ward staff when visiting about future access times or changes
Some units like ICU, maternity, or mental health wards may operate under separate access policies, so it’s always safer to confirm ahead.
Having the patient’s name, date of birth, and ward (if known) will help staff direct you appropriately and avoid delays on arrival.
FAQ
Can children visit patients at Glan Clwyd Hospital?
Yes, children particularly siblings are allowed to visit in most wards, especially paediatrics and maternity. However, restrictions may apply during infection outbreaks or in wards where patients are vulnerable. Children must always be accompanied by an adult and should not visit if they’re unwell.
Do I need to book visiting slots in advance?
No advance booking is currently required for general ward visits, including antenatal and postnatal areas. However, during periods of increased demand or outbreaks (like flu or COVID-19), the hospital may temporarily reintroduce appointment-based visiting. It’s always best to call ahead if unsure.
How do I find a specific ward’s visiting rules?
You can call Glan Clwyd Hospital’s main switchboard on 01745 583910 and ask to be connected to the ward in question. Staff will provide the most accurate, up-to-date advice based on the patient’s condition and current hospital policy.
Conclusion
Visiting a patient at Glan Clwyd Hospital is generally straightforward, with access available daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one on a general ward, supporting a partner in labour, or checking in on a child in the neonatal unit, it’s essential to follow the hospital’s latest guidance.
While most wards follow standard hours, specific areas like maternity, paediatrics, and intensive care may have unique rules. Infection control policies can also affect visiting at short notice so always check ahead and come prepared.
By respecting the hospital’s visiting hours and protocols, you help protect vulnerable patients, support frontline staff, and make the visit more comfortable for everyone involved.
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