Sandwell Hospital visiting times are generally for most wards, with specific hours for maternity, children’s, and cardiology units.
These times are set by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust to ensure patient care, rest, and family support are balanced.
If you’re planning to visit a loved one at Sandwell Health Campus (formerly Sandwell General Hospital), it’s important to know the right hours before travelling.
In this guide, we’ll cover the latest visiting times for all wards, the urgent treatment centre opening hours, and essential visitor information so you can plan your visit with confidence.
General Sandwell Hospital Visiting Times
Sandwell Hospital visiting times are set by the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust to ensure patients can rest while still receiving support from family and friends. The standard visiting window for most wards is 11 am to 7 pm, allowing flexibility for visitors while keeping patient care central.
The hospital operates a compassionate visiting policy, meaning certain patients are entitled to more flexible visiting. These include individuals receiving end-of-life care, those with dementia or learning disabilities, and patients with brain injuries. In such cases, “open visiting” may be permitted, giving families more time at the bedside.
It’s also worth noting that visiting during mealtimes is encouraged for those who help loved ones with eating or hydration. However, visitors are always asked to respect ward routines and listen to staff guidance.
Because hours vary between different departments, it’s essential to check the specific ward times before travelling. In the sections below, we break down Sandwell Hospital visiting times by ward so you can plan your visit smoothly.
Sandwell Hospital Visiting Times by Ward
General Wards and Surgical Units
The majority of patients are cared for on general or surgical wards at Sandwell Hospital. Here, visiting is usually allowed between 11 am and 7 pm daily. Each patient can welcome up to two visitors at any one time.
Visitors are reminded to be considerate of other patients on the ward, especially when making phone or video calls. Where possible, visits should be staggered to avoid overcrowding.
Mealtime visits are permitted, especially if you are supporting your relative with feeding. Nursing staff often welcome this, as it ensures patients are encouraged to eat well.
If your loved one requires additional support, such as in the case of dementia, staff may grant more flexible access. Always check with the ward team if you feel extra visiting is necessary.
Children’s Wards
Children’s wards have slightly longer visiting times to help families stay connected. Visiting hours are 10 am to 7 pm, with flexibility built in for parents and carers.
One parent or guardian is permitted to stay overnight, ensuring a child has the comfort of a familiar face. The second parent, carers, or siblings can visit freely during the day, though they must leave by 9 pm.
Staff understand that being in hospital can be unsettling for children, so they aim to make visiting arrangements as family-friendly as possible. Parents are encouraged to discuss any special requirements with the ward staff.
Maternity Unit
The maternity unit has its own schedule to balance rest for new mothers with family support. General visiting is permitted between 1 pm and 8 pm, while husbands or birthing partners can visit from 9 am to 9 pm.
Only close family are usually allowed, and numbers may be restricted to ensure the ward remains quiet and calm. Siblings may be welcomed during visiting hours, but large family groups are discouraged.
Staff on the maternity unit are happy to advise on special visiting situations, particularly where new mothers need additional support.
Cardiology Wards
For patients admitted to cardiology wards, visiting is slightly later in the day, running from 2 pm to 9 pm. This allows staff to carry out morning treatments and patient reviews without interruption.
Visitors are encouraged to respect quiet times if a patient is undergoing investigations or procedures. The ward team may occasionally limit numbers to ensure patients remain comfortable and undisturbed.
Urgent Treatment Centre at Sandwell Health Campus
The Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Sandwell Health Campus is open daily from 7 am until 1 am. This service is designed for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, such as sprains, cuts, minor burns, or infections.
It’s important to note that Sandwell Hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) department has now closed. Patients requiring emergency treatment are directed to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital A&E in Smethwick.
For those needing urgent care at Sandwell, the UTC offers both booked and walk-in appointments. Visitors accompanying patients may stay during treatment, although space is limited.
Special Visiting Arrangements
In certain circumstances, Sandwell Hospital allows open visiting to provide additional support. This includes:
- Patients nearing the end of life, where family presence is a priority.
- Patients with dementia, learning disabilities, or autism, where familiar carers help reduce stress.
- Patients with brain injuries, where extended visiting can aid recovery.
Staff encourage families to speak directly to the ward manager if these circumstances apply. The hospital aims to provide compassionate, patient-centred care, while balancing the needs of all patients on the ward.
Contacting Sandwell Hospital for Visiting Information
If you are unsure of the visiting times for a specific ward, it is best to call ahead before travelling. Each ward can confirm current arrangements and advise if there are any restrictions, such as infection control measures or limited capacity.
You can reach the main Sandwell Health Campus switchboard via the NHS website or the official Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust website. Staff are usually happy to answer questions about visiting hours, parking, and directions.
Conclusion
Sandwell Hospital visiting times vary depending on the ward, but the general rule is 11 am to 7 pm for most patients. Children’s wards, maternity services, and cardiology units follow slightly different schedules, so it is always worth checking before you travel.
The hospital also allows compassionate visiting in special cases, such as end-of-life care or when patients need additional support.
For urgent but non-emergency care, the Urgent Treatment Centre at Sandwell Health Campus is open daily from 7 am until 1 am, while emergency cases are directed to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital A&E.
By knowing the correct visiting hours, you can make the most of your time with loved ones and help ensure their hospital stay feels supported and reassuring.
To plan your visit with confidence, check our full list of Hospital Visit Times across the UK. Share this guide with friends and family to help others stay informed.
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