North Manchester Hospital visiting times are designed to give families and friends the opportunity to spend valuable moments with their loved ones while ensuring patients receive the care and rest they need.
In general, visiting at North Manchester General Hospital is allowed between under the Northern Care Alliance’s Visitors’ Charter, with some wards operating specific schedules.
Knowing when you can visit is important, as certain areas such as surgical, medical, or intensive care wards may have restricted hours or protected meal times where visiting is not permitted.
This guide sets out the most up-to-date visiting hours for North Manchester General Hospital, along with practical advice on visitor rules, exceptions, and what to expect when planning your visit.
General North Manchester Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting times at North Manchester General Hospital are guided by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which has introduced a Visitors’ Charter to make the experience more patient-centred. Under this charter, friends and relatives are generally North Manchester Hospital visiting times welcome between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm every day.
These hours are intended to strike a balance between enabling family contact and ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted care.
Although the trust-wide hours apply across most wards, it is important to note that individual wards may follow slightly different visiting arrangements. For example, surgical or high-dependency wards may operate shorter visiting slots to protect patient recovery, while medical wards often have dedicated “protected mealtimes” during which visitors are asked to leave so patients can eat without distraction.
For end-of-life care and other exceptional circumstances, the hospital follows a flexible approach. Families can arrange extended or unrestricted visits in consultation with the ward team.
This compassionate policy ensures patients and loved ones can spend meaningful time together during difficult moments.
By understanding the general visiting framework, you can plan your trip to North Manchester Hospital more effectively and avoid the disappointment of arriving during a closed period.
Ward-Specific North Manchester Hospital Visiting Times
While the Visitors’ Charter provides a broad guideline, many wards at North Manchester Hospital have ward-specific timetables. Below are the key visiting arrangements for some of the most commonly used wards.
Ward H3 Visiting Times
Ward H3 at North Manchester General Hospital operates set visiting slots: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by an evening session from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During these times, patients can receive visitors freely.
However, between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, the ward enforces a protected mealtime, where no visiting is permitted. This ensures patients can eat in a calm and focused environment, which is vital for recovery.
Ward H3’s approach is especially useful for patients undergoing treatment or rehabilitation, as it gives them the structure of rest and nutrition alongside social support. If you are planning a visit, it is recommended to arrive on time and keep to the hours set, as late arrivals may not be allowed into the ward.
Ward I5 Visiting Times
Ward I5, part of the hospital’s orthopaedic and emergency care pathway, follows a similar pattern to H3. Visiting is allowed from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Unlike H3, this ward observes two protected mealtimes between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, and again between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
These rules are designed to prioritise patient wellbeing, particularly for those recovering from surgery or trauma. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visits around mealtimes to avoid disruption.
Staff are usually accommodating in exceptional cases, but routine compliance helps maintain a calm, therapeutic environment.
Ward E3 Visiting Rules
Ward E3 operates on a more restricted basis compared with other wards. There are no fixed visiting hours; instead, each patient is typically allocated a 30-minute visit per day. Protected mealtimes are strictly observed: 8:00–9:00 am, 12:00–1:00 pm, and 5:00–6:00 pm.
The shorter visiting allocation is linked to the clinical nature of this ward, where patients may require intensive monitoring or treatment. Families are advised to speak directly with the ward staff to schedule visits in advance, as arriving without notice may result in being turned away. For compassionate reasons, such as end-of-life care, exceptions can be made.
Ward H4 Visiting Times
Ward H4, a general surgical ward, offers daily visiting from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and again from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. These times are slightly later than those of H3 and I5, reflecting the needs of post-surgical patients who require extended rest.
Outside of these visiting hours, entry is only permitted if arranged in advance with the nurse in charge. This ensures patient recovery is not disrupted by unscheduled visits.
Families planning to travel from outside Manchester should factor these hours into their journey to avoid disappointment.
Visitor North Manchester Hospital Rules and Etiquette
When visiting North Manchester Hospital, it is important to follow a few basic rules to ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone:
- Number of visitors: In most cases, two visitors per patient are allowed at a time. Wards may make exceptions depending on the patient’s condition.
- Protected mealtimes: Visitors are asked to leave during these periods so patients can eat without disturbance.
- Children visiting: Children may be permitted on certain wards but should always be supervised by an adult. For infection control reasons, some wards discourage visits from very young children.
- Face coverings and hygiene: While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, hand hygiene is still strictly enforced. Visitors are encouraged to use sanitising stations before and after visiting.
- Gifts and belongings: Flowers are often restricted, but small gifts such as books or toiletries are usually welcomed.
Respecting these guidelines helps maintain a calm and healing environment, ensuring patients benefit both from medical care and the comfort of loved ones.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
The hospital recognises that not every situation fits neatly into standard visiting hours. In the case of end-of-life care, visiting is unrestricted, allowing family members to spend as much time as needed with their loved one.
Carers and partners of certain patients may also be permitted to stay overnight, particularly in maternity and paediatric wards. For patients with additional needs such as dementia, learning difficulties, or communication challenges a familiar carer may be allowed more flexible visiting arrangements.
To arrange visits outside of normal hours, visitors should speak directly with the nurse in charge of the ward. Written permission is not usually required, but advanced notice helps staff accommodate requests while keeping other patients’ needs in mind.
Planning Your Visit to North Manchester Hospital
North Manchester General Hospital is located on Delaubnays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 5RB. The site is well-served by public transport, with regular bus routes stopping near the main entrance. The nearest Metrolink stop is Crumpsall, which is within walking distance of the hospital.
For those travelling by car, the hospital has several on-site car parks. Charges apply, and spaces can fill quickly during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. Blue Badge holders will find designated spaces close to the entrances.
Accessibility is a priority across the hospital, with step-free access, lifts, and support available for visitors with mobility challenges. If you require assistance, it is best to contact the hospital in advance.
By planning ahead whether using public transport, checking car park availability, or arranging extra support you can make your visit smoother and less stressful.
Conclusion
Visiting loved ones at North Manchester General Hospital is an important part of the healing process, and knowing the correct hospital visiting times helps ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. In general, the hospital follows the Northern Care Alliance’s Visitors’ Charter, which allows visiting between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm daily, while certain wards operate specific schedules with protected meal times.
Always remember that some areas, such as surgical or high-dependency wards, have stricter rules to prioritise patient recovery. If you are unsure, it is best to check with the ward staff before you travel, especially if you are visiting outside the standard hours.
Flexibility is also available for compassionate circumstances such as end-of-life care, ensuring that families can spend vital moments together.
If you are planning a visit, take time to review the ward-specific guidance, prepare for parking or travel, and follow hospital etiquette to make the visit as comfortable as possible for both patients and staff.
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