MRI hospital visiting times vary by ward, department, and care level at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Most wards operate daily visiting hours between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, but some critical care and specialist units have different schedules or stricter rules. Visitors should always call ahead to confirm access before attending.
Planning a hospital visit can be confusing especially when each ward has its own timings and guidelines. Whether you’re visiting a loved one in intensive care, cardiac surgery recovery, or a general ward, understanding the specific rules at MRI is essential to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of visiting hours for key wards, including ICU, high-dependency, and emergency units, plus NHS-backed tips on what to expect and how to prepare.
Let’s explore the most accurate, up-to-date visiting times and policies at Manchester Royal Infirmary to help you plan with confidence.
MRI Hospital Visiting Times
Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has tailored its visiting policies to balance patient care, safety, and family support. MRI hospital visiting times are not uniform across departments, meaning it’s crucial to check ahead for the specific ward you plan to visit.
Most wards allow visiting daily between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, but exceptions apply especially in intensive care units, cardiac wards, and during infection control periods. Before you visit, it’s advisable to call the ward directly to confirm access, as visiting may be temporarily restricted due to operational pressures or outbreaks.
Patients are typically allowed two visitors at a time, and children under 12 are only permitted under special circumstances.
Visitors are encouraged to avoid mealtimes unless previously arranged. Wearing face coverings and using hand sanitiser remains recommended in clinical areas to protect vulnerable patients.
Wards 3 & 4
Cardiac Surgery Wards 3 and 4 at MRI follow a structured visiting timetable to ensure patient recovery remains uninterrupted.
Visitors are welcome during two daily time slots: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These hours are designed to provide rest intervals between visits and align with staff handovers and medical rounds.
If you are visiting someone post-cardiac surgery, always check with the nursing team first. Visiting outside standard times may be arranged in exceptional cases but must be approved by senior staff.
Remember that cardiac patients often require quiet and stability during recovery, so visits should be kept brief and considerate.
In addition, mobile phones should be kept on silent, and photography is not allowed within the ward. Entry is typically through the main hospital corridor, and visitors may be required to sign in at the nurses’ station upon arrival.
Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit
Visiting the Cardiac Surgery ICU at Manchester Royal Infirmary requires particular sensitivity, as patients here are recovering from major procedures and may need intensive post-operative care. The current visiting hours for this unit are daily from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Access is often limited to immediate family or designated visitors, and only one or two people may be allowed at the bedside at a time. You may be asked to wait in a dedicated visitors’ room while staff prepare the patient for your visit.
To ensure infection control and patient wellbeing, visits may be shortened or delayed during medical procedures. Staff will always communicate any changes and can offer updates over the phone if needed. If you’re unsure about ICU entry requirements, contact the unit directly via the hospital switchboard on 0161 276 1234.
Critical Care & High Dependency Unit
The Critical Care Unit (CCU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), including Ward 35, operate under enhanced safety protocols due to the vulnerable condition of patients. Visiting here is currently permitted between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, seven days a week.
Patients in this area often need close monitoring, so the number of visitors may be limited, and entry may be staggered to avoid overcrowding. You’ll be asked to follow strict hygiene procedures, including handwashing and wearing a surgical mask, especially during flu season or periods of heightened infection risk.
If you’re planning a visit, the ward encourages you to call ahead and speak with a nurse, as patient conditions may change rapidly. In urgent situations, exceptions to the standard visiting times can sometimes be made at the discretion of senior staff.
Other General Wards
General wards at Manchester Royal Infirmary follow flexible visiting hours, typically allowing guests from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily. However, actual timings can differ depending on the ward’s function, staffing levels, and any temporary restrictions in place.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the major general wards:
- Ward 7 (Winter Pressures/General Medicine): Call 0161 701 1830 / 1831 to confirm access, especially during high-pressure periods.
- Ward 8 (Hepatobiliary): For up-to-date visiting times, call 0161 701 3551.
- Ward 9 (Upper GI Surgery): Contact 0161 701 3548 to check arrangements.
Some wards may close temporarily to visitors during protected mealtimes, which help ensure patients receive uninterrupted nutrition and staff support. These usually fall between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm or 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, but always vary by department.
For all general wards, it’s best to contact the ward directly. Staff are happy to provide tailored guidance, including best times to visit and any patient-specific limitations.
Visiting Emergency & Walk-In Departments
Visiting patients in MRI’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) or Walk-In Centre requires flexibility and understanding. These departments operate on a 24/7 basis, but visitor access may be restricted based on patient acuity, infection control policies, and department pressure.
A&E Department
Manchester Royal Infirmary’s A&E is open at all times, but due to the unpredictable nature of emergency care, visiting is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If a patient is stable and conscious, a single visitor may be allowed. However, during critical interventions or overcrowded periods, staff may ask visitors to wait or leave the department temporarily.
For real-time guidance, visitors should speak with the A&E reception team or ring 0161 276 1234 and ask for the Emergency Department.
Walk-In Centre
The Walk-In Centre caters to minor illnesses and injuries and operates:
- Weekdays: 8:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Weekends: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Visitors are generally discouraged in the Walk-In Centre unless the patient needs assistance (e.g., children, vulnerable adults). In such cases, only one supporter is allowed to accompany the patient inside.
Special Guidelines & NHS Visiting Advice
Manchester Royal Infirmary follows national NHS guidelines and internal Trust protocols to ensure that visiting is both safe and supportive. Understanding these policies will help you avoid unexpected restrictions or delays during your visit.
Infection Control Measures
Due to the potential presence of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, flu, or norovirus, some wards may impose temporary restrictions. During these periods, visitor numbers may be reduced, or visiting may be suspended altogether. You may be asked to:
- Wear a face covering or PPE
- Use alcohol gel upon entering and exiting the ward
- Avoid visiting if you have cold or flu symptoms
These policies are updated frequently based on hospital and regional NHS risk assessments.
Protected Mealtimes
Many wards at MRI observe protected mealtimes, generally from 12:00 pm–1:00 pm and 5:00 pm–6:00 pm. During these times, visitors are not permitted unless pre-agreed for patients who need assistance with eating. This ensures that patients have adequate time and focus to maintain their nutritional health.
Children and Vulnerable Visitor Policy
Children under 12 are typically not permitted to visit unless under special circumstances or agreed in advance. If you’re planning to bring a child or are a carer for someone with additional needs, you must speak to the nurse in charge beforehand.
Staff aim to accommodate compassionate and individual circumstances wherever possible, but safety remains the top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I visit Manchester Royal Infirmary ICU outside the set hours?
In most cases, visits to the ICU outside regular hours (3:00 pm–7:00 pm) are not permitted. However, exceptions may be made for critical situations or compassionate grounds, such as end-of-life care. Always speak to the nurse in charge for permission and guidance before travelling.
2. What should I bring when visiting a patient at MRI?
Bring only essential items such as identification, a mobile phone (on silent), and any personal items the patient may have requested (e.g. clothing, books, or snacks if allowed). Do not bring flowers or perishable foods unless the ward has explicitly said it’s acceptable. Hand hygiene products and a face covering are also recommended.
3. How do I contact MRI to confirm visiting hours?
To confirm visiting hours for a specific ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary, call the main switchboard on 0161 276 1234 and ask to be connected to the relevant department. It’s the quickest and most reliable way to get up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Visiting a patient at Manchester Royal Infirmary requires awareness of specific ward schedules and evolving NHS guidance. While most general wards operate between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, specialist units like cardiac ICU and critical care have narrower access windows and stricter rules.
Always call the hospital or the relevant ward in advance, especially if your visit involves vulnerable patients or urgent care areas. By planning ahead and following hospital policies, you can make your visit both meaningful and stress-free.
If you’re visiting another NHS hospital or looking for updated guidelines on ICU or paediatric visiting policies, browse our full list of UK hospital guides. Share this article with friends or family to help them prepare their visit with confidence.
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