Addenbrookes Hospital visiting times are set to balance patient recovery with the importance of family and friend support
The general Addenbrookes Hospital visiting times, though visiting policies vary between wards, including children’s services, intensive care, and maternity at the Rosie Hospital.
Visitors are usually limited to two people at the bedside, with additional rules for certain areas such as PICU, NICU, and end-of-life care.
By checking the right Addenbrookes Hospital visiting times in advance, you can make your visit smooth, safe, and supportive for your loved one.
General Addenbrookes Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Adult Inpatient and Critical
The general Addenbrookes Hospital visiting times are from 8 am to 8 pm daily across most adult inpatient and critical care wards. This wide window ensures patients can benefit from family and friends without disrupting medical routines.
At any given time, up to two visitors are permitted at the bedside.
Unlike some hospitals, Addenbrookes does not require advance booking for visits. This means visitors can arrive when convenient, though it is advisable to avoid peak times such as mid-morning or late afternoon to reduce waiting around communal spaces.
Staff may occasionally ask visitors to step out during procedures, ward rounds, or private patient discussions.
Ward-Specific Rules and Exceptions
While the general rule is 8 am to 8 pm, certain wards may have slightly different visiting schedules. For example, the Department of Medicine for the Elderly (Ward F4) operates visiting hours from 11 am to 7 pm, with protected mealtimes where visiting is paused.
Similarly, wards such as G4 have set visiting slots in the afternoon and evening only.
Because Addenbrookes is such a large teaching hospital, each ward may adapt visiting policies depending on patient needs. For this reason, it’s always best to check directly with the ward before making travel plans.
PPE and Hygiene Requirements For Visitors
Infection control remains a high priority. Visitors should use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving wards, and in some cases may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or aprons.
Anyone with symptoms of illness (coughs, diarrhoea, vomiting, or flu-like symptoms) is asked to postpone their visit until fully recovered.
Children’s and Paediatric Visiting Hours
Children’s Inpatient Wards
Children admitted to Addenbrookes benefit from more flexible visiting, with hours running from 07:30 am to 7 pm daily. This longer window recognises the importance of parental involvement in a child’s hospital stay.
Two adults are usually permitted at the bedside, with the option for one sibling to visit at the same time.
PICU and NICU
For children requiring intensive care in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), visiting is more carefully managed. Typically, two resident parents or carers are allowed unrestricted access, with an additional sibling permitted.
These arrangements prioritise parental presence while maintaining patient safety. Families are encouraged to coordinate with staff, as policies may differ depending on the child’s condition.
Rules For Siblings Visiting Children in Hospital
Siblings can visit paediatric patients, but only one child at a time. This helps reduce infection risks and keeps the ward environment calm. Parents should ensure visiting siblings are well and not carrying contagious illnesses.
Visiting the Rosie Hospital Maternity Services
Labour Ward Visiting Policies
At the Rosie Hospital, part of the Addenbrookes site, visiting rules reflect the unique needs of maternity care. During labour, a birthing partner is allowed to stay with the mother throughout. In some cases, a second supporter may also be permitted, though this is best confirmed with the ward team.
Postnatal Visiting Hours
Once on the postnatal ward, visiting times may be more restricted to ensure mothers and babies have adequate rest. Typically, partners or named carers have extended access, while friends and extended family must adhere to set visiting windows.
Guidance for partners and named carers
Named carers and partners are encouraged to discuss visiting arrangements with the maternity staff in advance. This ensures flexibility, especially if the mother or newborn requires additional support.
Outpatient and Emergency Department Visiting Rules
Accompanying Adults For Outpatient Appointments
Patients attending outpatient appointments may bring one adult companion. This is particularly useful for those needing emotional support, mobility assistance, or help processing medical information.
Restrictions in Assessment Areas
In outpatient assessment units, visitor numbers may be limited for safety reasons. At times of high patient flow, companions might be asked to wait outside the department until called.
Emergency Department Visitor Allowances
The Emergency Department generally allows one person to accompany a patient. As this is a high-demand area, visitors may need to wait outside when the department reaches capacity.
Patients are encouraged to communicate any support needs on arrival so staff can make appropriate arrangements.
Special Considerations
Visiting Patients at Dnd of Life
End-of-life visiting policies are handled with sensitivity and flexibility. Families are usually permitted to spend extended time at the bedside, often outside of normal visiting hours. Staff work closely with loved ones to ensure patients receive the comfort of familiar presence in their final days.
Carers Supporting Dementia
Addenbrookes recognises the essential role of carers in supporting patients with dementia, learning disabilities, or autism. Named carers may be given greater access to wards, including outside visiting hours, to help reduce anxiety and support communication between staff and patients.
Visitors with symptoms of colds, flu, or stomach illness should avoid visiting until at least 48 hours after recovery. This helps protect vulnerable patients whose immune systems may be weakened.
Practical Visitor Information
Directions and Transport to Addenbrookes Hospital
Addenbrookes Hospital is located in Cambridge and is accessible by bus, rail, cycling routes, and by car. The nearest railway station is Cambridge, with frequent buses and taxis to the hospital site.
Parking and Drop-Off Options
Visitor parking is available on site, though spaces can be limited at peak times. Drop-off points are located near main entrances, and blue badge holders have designated spaces closer to wards.
Facilities
Cafés, shops, and rest areas are available across the Addenbrookes campus, offering refreshments and comfortable waiting spaces. Free Wi-Fi is also provided for patients and visitors.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at hospital is an important part of recovery, and Addenbrookes Hospital visiting times are designed to balance patient care with family support.
For most wards, visiting is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily, while children’s services, the Rosie maternity unit, and certain specialist wards have their own tailored hours.
Up to two visitors are usually welcome, and carers, partners, and end-of-life visitors are given additional flexibility to ensure patients receive the comfort they need.
By checking the right times before you travel, following infection-control rules, and liaising with ward staff, you can make your visit smooth and reassuring for both patient and hospital team.
If you are planning to visit Addenbrookes or any Cambridge hospital, we recommend reading www.hospitalvisittimes.com other guides. Staying informed ensures your visit is both caring and stress-free.
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