Bangor Hospital visiting times at Ysbyty Gwynedd typically run from 10 am to 8 pm daily, allowing up to two visitors at a patient’s bedside. These hours apply to most adult inpatient wards, with flexibility depending on the patient’s condition and ward policies.
Planning a visit to Bangor’s main hospital? Whether you’re seeing a loved one in the maternity unit, paediatric ward, or a general ward, it’s crucial to know the current visiting rules.
Hospital policies can vary depending on ward type, time of year, and infection outbreaks such as flu or COVID‑19.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Ysbyty Gwynedd’s visiting times from general adult access to neonatal and maternity rules alongside NHS Wales recommendations. Let’s ensure your visit is smooth, timely, and stress-free.
Bangor Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Visiting Hours for Adult Inpatients
The standard Bangor Hospital visiting times for adult inpatient wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily. This flexible, extended schedule is designed to support patient wellbeing while accommodating the needs of families, carers, and friends.
Patients are typically allowed up to two visitors at a time by the bedside. This limit helps to maintain a calm ward environment and supports infection prevention protocols. For those with complex needs or in end-of-life care, ward managers can authorise extended or additional visits on a case-by-case basis.
It’s important to check with the specific ward before arrival, as visiting arrangements can change with little notice, especially during infection outbreaks such as Norovirus or seasonal flu. You can contact the hospital switchboard or the ward directly via the NHS Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board website to confirm any updates.
For a more peaceful environment, patients and visitors are encouraged to avoid crowding and to respect quiet times on the ward, especially during mealtimes or medical rounds.
Exceptions & Flexible Visiting Policies
While the standard visiting window at Bangor Hospital runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, the hospital recognises that not all circumstances fit neatly within scheduled hours. As such, Ysbyty Gwynedd has introduced flexible visiting policies tailored to specific patient needs.
Compassionate grounds, such as patients receiving palliative care or those experiencing emotional distress, often justify extended visiting rights. In these cases, families are encouraged to speak directly with the ward’s senior nurse or manager, who can grant special dispensation for longer or more frequent visits.
Visitors who live far from the hospital may also be allowed to adjust visiting times, particularly if travel or public transport schedules make it difficult to attend during regular hours. The hospital advises phoning in advance to request any such adjustment.
Additionally, patients with learning disabilities, dementia, or communication difficulties may benefit from the presence of a familiar carer or advocate. In these instances, Bangor Hospital permits carers to stay longer or even throughout the day, depending on clinical judgement.
Always follow any infection prevention guidance issued by the ward, and avoid visiting if you’re feeling unwell even slightly. Respect for hospital staff, other patients, and safety rules ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
Bangor Maternity Unit Visiting Hours
Labour Ward Guidelines & Birth Partner Rules
Expecting a baby at Ysbyty Gwynedd? Bangor Hospital offers a supportive and flexible maternity visiting policy that prioritises both patient care and family involvement during labour and birth.
During established labour, women are allowed to have up to two birth partners present. This inclusive policy ensures emotional support during a critical moment. However, for caesarean sections or emergency theatre admissions, only one birth partner may accompany the patient for safety and privacy reasons.
Once the baby is born, birth partners are welcome to stay with the new mother during antenatal and postnatal care. The hospital allows one named birth partner or support person to visit at any time between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm.
This flexibility gives families the chance to bond and support recovery in those important early hours.
All visitors are asked to follow hygiene guidance and respect designated rest periods, which help new mothers recuperate undisturbed.
Bangor’s maternity team encourages communication with midwives if additional support or exceptions are needed. Whether it’s for emotional wellbeing, cultural considerations, or partner work schedules, the team will try to accommodate practical needs wherever possible.
Antenatal and Postnatal Visiting Slots
Outside of labour, Ysbyty Gwynedd enforces structured visiting hours on its antenatal and postnatal wards to ensure both clinical care and maternal rest are balanced.
General visiting times for friends and extended family are split into two main slots:
- Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Evening: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
During these periods, up to two visitors at a time are permitted at the bedside. Children under 16 are generally not allowed unless they are siblings of the newborn, in which case they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The maternity unit also enforces a designated rest period between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, during which all visitors are asked to refrain from entering the ward. This quiet time is vital for recovery, infant care, and uninterrupted clinical assessments.
Midwives and healthcare professionals are available throughout visiting hours to answer any concerns, and security staff ensure that all visits are logged and safely managed. Visitors should use the main hospital entrance, and may be asked to sign in before entering maternity areas.
It’s advised to avoid bringing large bags, flowers, or external food items unless previously cleared by hospital staff. Respecting these policies helps support a calm, hygienic, and healing environment for new families.
Visiting Children & Neonatal Patients in Bangor
Minffordd Ward
Minffordd Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd serves as the dedicated children’s inpatient unit. The hospital’s approach here prioritises parental presence and emotional stability for young patients.
Parents or primary caregivers are allowed to stay with their child throughout the day, and one parent is permitted to remain overnight.
This ensures a sense of comfort and continuity for the child during treatment or recovery. Siblings are allowed to visit, though only two people (including at least one parent or carer) may be present at the bedside at any one time.
The ward environment is family-friendly, with areas designed to support quiet activities and rest. Visitors are asked to be mindful of noise and to limit phone use to designated spaces.
For other relatives or friends wishing to visit a child in hospital, prior arrangement with ward staff is required. The team may advise on best visiting times based on the child’s care schedule or current ward occupancy.
Children who are unwell or have recently been exposed to infections should not visit. Infection control remains a high priority in paediatric wards to protect vulnerable young patients.
Neonatal Unit Visiting Policy
Visiting a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ysbyty Gwynedd comes with additional safeguards to protect these highly vulnerable infants. However, the hospital ensures that parental access is prioritised and encouraged.
Parents are welcome at any time and are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their baby. However, to ensure safety and calm within the unit, only two people may be present at the cot-side and one of them must be a parent or legal guardian.
Siblings are allowed to visit, provided they are in good health and closely supervised. Other family members (e.g. grandparents or extended relatives) can typically visit during designated times arranged in advance, usually twice per day, although these slots may vary depending on staffing and medical needs.
During times of heightened infection risk such as during flu season or COVID-19 spikes the NICU may temporarily restrict access to parents only. These changes are always communicated by the unit staff, and the team works closely with families to provide updates and alternatives, including virtual visiting where necessary.
Visitors must follow strict hand hygiene and infection control protocols. This includes using alcohol gel, wearing provided protective clothing, and avoiding the unit entirely if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness, even mild ones.
Infection Control and Temporary Restrictions
COVID-19 and Flu Protocols
At Bangor Hospital (Ysbyty Gwynedd), infection control remains a top priority, especially during times of seasonal outbreaks like influenza and COVID-19. Visiting policies may be adjusted to protect patients, staff, and visitors alike.
During infection outbreaks, visiting may be restricted or limited to one designated visitor per patient, with shorter visiting hours. In some cases, visits may be temporarily suspended for entire wards, particularly vulnerable areas such as the neonatal or intensive care units.
The hospital follows NHS Wales guidance, which includes mandatory use of face masks in clinical areas and strict hand hygiene protocols. Visitors must comply with all instructions from ward staff, including signing in, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and temperature checks where required.
If you are feeling unwell or have recently been in contact with someone with a contagious illness, it’s vital to postpone your visit. The hospital’s infection prevention team regularly updates policies to reflect the latest public health advice.
What to Do Before Visiting
Before attending Ysbyty Gwynedd, it’s advisable to:
- Contact the ward directly to confirm current visiting hours and any restrictions
- Review the latest NHS Wales hospital visiting updates on official websites
- Prepare for possible screening procedures on arrival, including hand sanitising and mask-wearing
- Limit visits to essential support only, especially during high-risk periods
- Avoid bringing vulnerable individuals, such as very young children or elderly relatives, during outbreaks
By following these steps, visitors help maintain a safer hospital environment, reducing the risk of infection spread and supporting patient recovery.
Additional Services and Contact Information
How to Contact Specific Wards
If you’re planning a visit to Bangor Hospital (Ysbyty Gwynedd), it’s best to have direct contact information handy. Calling ahead helps confirm visiting hours, understand any temporary restrictions, and clarify special arrangements.
- General Enquiries / Switchboard: 01248 384384
- Maternity Unit: Ask for Minffordd Ward or maternity reception
- Paediatric Unit (Minffordd Ward): Specific ward extensions may be provided on request
- Neonatal Unit: Contact through the paediatric ward or maternity unit
Staff are usually available during standard working hours and can redirect your call if needed. If you reach voicemail, leave a clear message with your contact details for a callback.
Directions & Parking Tips
Ysbyty Gwynedd is located on Penrhosgarnedd Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2PW. The hospital is accessible by car and public transport:
- Car: There is a main hospital car park with pay-and-display machines. Parking spaces near the wards are limited, so arriving early is advisable.
- Bus: Local bus services run regular routes stopping near the hospital entrance. Check local timetables for current routes.
- Taxi: Taxis are available from Bangor town centre, with several companies providing pre-booked hospital runs.
Visitors should allow time for security checks and possible waiting times at entrances, especially during peak visiting hours or special events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current visiting times at Ysbyty Gwynedd?
Visiting hours for adult wards at Bangor Hospital run from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily. For maternity, paediatric, and neonatal wards, specific visiting times and visitor limits apply. It’s best to check directly with the ward before your visit for any updates.
Can children visit patients at Bangor Hospital?
Yes, children are generally allowed to visit in the paediatric and neonatal wards, often accompanied by parents or guardians. For adult wards, children’s visits are usually subject to ward-specific policies and infection control measures. Visitors should avoid bringing children if they or the patient are unwell.
How do I check for visitor restrictions before arriving?
To ensure you have the latest information, contact the hospital ward directly or visit the NHS Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website. Visiting times and restrictions can change, especially during outbreaks like flu or COVID-19.
Conclusion
Understanding the Bangor Hospital visiting times at Ysbyty Gwynedd is essential for planning a smooth and stress-free visit to your loved ones.
With general visiting hours from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, plus specific rules for maternity, paediatric, and neonatal wards, the hospital balances patient care with family support.
Remember, visiting policies can change due to infection outbreaks or special circumstances, so it’s always wise to check directly with the ward before you travel.
Respecting hospital guidelines helps protect patients, visitors, and staff alike.
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