Boston Pilgrim Hospital visiting times are essential to know before planning a visit, helping friends and families spend quality time with their loved ones without unnecessary delays.
Managed by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), the hospital provides set visiting hours for different wards, including general wards, intensive care, and short-stay units.
For other departments, visiting may follow general hospital arrangements, and it is always best to check directly with the ward before travelling.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of Boston Pilgrim Hospital visiting times and useful tips for visitors.
General Boston Pilgrim Hospital Visiting Times
Boston Pilgrim Hospital operates with structured visiting hours across its wards to ensure patients receive the right balance of medical care, rest, and family support. While some units provide clear daily schedules, others follow general visiting arrangements managed by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT).
Since policies may vary by ward, it is always advisable to check in advance before travelling.
Below is a breakdown of confirmed ward-specific visiting times for Boston Pilgrim Hospital, followed by guidance for units where details are provided under the general arrangements page.
Ward 5A Visiting Times
Ward 5A at Pilgrim Hospital visiting times, covering general surgery, vascular and urology patients, welcomes visitors daily from 13:00 to 20:00. These hours allow families to visit in the afternoon and evening while still preserving mornings for clinical treatments and patient recovery.
Visiting during this time helps ensure that medical staff can deliver care efficiently, while patients still benefit from meaningful time with loved ones. If you are planning to visit, it’s best to avoid peak hours between 17:00 and 19:00 when the ward can become busier.
Acute Medical Short Stay Unit (AMSS) Visiting Times
The Acute Medical Short Stay Unit (AMSS) operates daily visiting hours from 14:00 to 20:00. However, the ward enforces a protected meal time from 12:00 to 12:30, during which visitors are not permitted.
These protected times are in place to ensure patients can eat comfortably without interruptions, supporting recovery and maintaining dignity. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visits after mealtimes and to respect the nursing team’s guidance on numbers at the bedside.
Intensive Care Unit Visiting Times
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Boston Pilgrim Hospital has more structured Boston Pilgrim Hospital visiting times to protect patient wellbeing. Visits are allowed twice daily:
- 14:30 – 16:30
- 18:30 – 20:00
These shorter time slots are designed to give patients the rest and specialist treatment they need while still enabling families to be present during recovery. ICU visits are typically limited to close family members, and staff may restrict entry if a patient’s condition requires extra privacy or clinical attention.
The Bostonian Ward Visiting Times
The Bostonian Ward, which supports oncology and haematology patients, offers extended visiting hours from 12:30 to 20:00 daily. This flexibility allows families and carers to spend longer periods with loved ones undergoing complex treatment.
Visitors are advised to be mindful of the ward environment, keeping noise levels low and limiting group sizes so that all patients can benefit from a calm and supportive atmosphere.
Other Wards and Units at Boston Pilgrim Hospital
Not all wards at Boston Pilgrim Hospital list specific visiting times. Instead, many follow the general Visiting Arrangements set by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT).
These arrangements apply to several areas, including maternity wards, children’s services, elderly care units, and some surgical and medical wards.
If you plan to visit one of these wards, you will usually need to follow the hospital’s standard guidance, which often allows visiting during afternoon and evening slots, with exceptions for intensive care and specialist units.
Because ward activity levels can change daily, staff may adjust visiting times depending on clinical needs, emergencies, or infection control measures.
Wards Covered by General Visiting Arrangements
Examples of wards and units that direct visitors to the ULHT Visiting Arrangements page include:
- Children’s Ward
- Maternity Wards (including Labour Ward and M1 Maternity)
- Elderly Care Units (Ward 6A and Ward 6B)
- Respiratory and Gastroenterology (Ward 7B and Ward 8A)
- Emergency Department (A&E)
- Breast Unit and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
For these wards, it is always advisable to check directly with the nursing team before your visit. This ensures that you do not arrive during medical procedures, rest periods, or restricted hours.
Why General Arrangements Are Used
General visiting arrangements help the hospital maintain flexibility while balancing patient care, family access, and ward activities. For instance:
- Protected meal times prevent interruptions during dining.
- Staff discretion allows adjustments for patients in critical or end-of-life care.
- Infection control measures may temporarily restrict visits.
By following these arrangements, visitors help maintain a safe and supportive hospital environment while ensuring that patients receive the rest and treatment they need.
Special Considerations for Visitors
When planning your visit to Boston Pilgrim Hospital, it is important to be aware of certain hospital-wide policies that ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of patients. These considerations apply in addition to standard ward visiting hours.
Infection Control and Hygiene
The hospital asks all visitors to practise good hand hygiene when entering and leaving a ward. Hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the hospital, and visitors may be asked to wear masks in high-risk areas such as intensive care or oncology wards.
Anyone feeling unwell, particularly with symptoms of flu, colds, or stomach bugs, should avoid visiting to protect vulnerable patients.
Protected Meal Times
Several wards, including the Acute Medical Short Stay Unit (AMSS), enforce protected meal times where visitors are not permitted. These periods are vital for patient nutrition and recovery, allowing patients to eat without interruption.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their arrival outside these times to avoid disappointment.
Number of Visitors Allowed
To maintain a calm ward environment, most wards restrict the number of visitors at any one time. Typically, two visitors per patient is the standard, though exceptions may be made at the discretion of staff, especially for end-of-life care or for patients requiring additional support.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
In certain circumstances, such as critical illness, maternity, or paediatric care, the hospital may allow flexible visiting. Parents of children admitted to hospital, for example, are often permitted extended or open visiting to stay close to their child.
Similarly, birthing partners on maternity wards are usually granted special visiting access outside standard hours.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Visiting Boston Pilgrim Hospital is much smoother if you plan ahead. Alongside knowing the correct visiting hours, it helps to be aware of parking, accessibility, and the best times to avoid crowds.
Parking at Boston Pilgrim Hospital
Parking is available on-site, but it can become busy during peak visiting times, especially in the evenings. The hospital operates a pay-and-display system, with charges varying depending on length of stay.
Visitors are encouraged to bring change or use the cashless payment options provided. Blue Badge holders can access designated disabled spaces near the entrances. Allow extra time to park, particularly during afternoon and evening visiting slots.
Accessibility for Visitors
Boston Pilgrim Hospital is designed to be accessible for people with mobility needs. Lifts serve all main floors, and wheelchair access is available throughout the site.
Assistance can be arranged through hospital reception, and volunteer staff are often on hand to guide visitors to wards. For those with sensory impairments, the hospital provides induction loops and clear signage.
Best Times to Visit
If you want to avoid the busiest periods, consider visiting earlier in the afternoon rather than during evening hours, when the majority of families arrive after work. Quiet visits not only make the experience calmer for patients but also give visitors more time to engage with staff if they have questions about care or recovery.
Preparing for Your Visit
Before heading to the hospital, it’s wise to check directly with the ward to confirm current visiting arrangements, as policies may change due to seasonal pressures, outbreaks, or clinical needs. Bringing a small token such as flowers, books, or toiletries can brighten a patient’s day, but always confirm with staff first, as certain items may not be permitted in specialist units like oncology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Pilgrim Hospital Visiting Times
Do I Need to Book Before Visiting Boston Pilgrim Hospital?
No, visitors do not usually need to book in advance to visit Boston Pilgrim Hospital. The previous COVID-19 restrictions requiring booking have been lifted, and the hospital now follows standard visiting arrangements.
However, some specialist wards may still require confirmation, so it is always wise to check with the ward before travelling.
What Are The ICU Visiting Times at Boston Pilgrim Hospital?
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Boston Pilgrim Hospital allows visiting twice daily: from 14:30 to 16:30 and again from 18:30 to 20:00. These shorter, structured time slots are designed to ensure patients can rest and receive treatment while still having time with family.
Are Children Allowed to Visit Patients at Boston Pilgrim Hospital?
Yes, children are usually welcome at Boston Pilgrim Hospital, but it is recommended that visits by children are kept short to avoid tiring the patient. In certain wards, such as intensive care or oncology, children may only be allowed at the discretion of staff due to infection control or patient vulnerability.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at Boston Pilgrim Hospital is an important way to provide comfort and support during their recovery. With set visiting times across key wards such as Ward 5A (13:00–20:00), Acute Medical Short Stay Unit (14:00–20:00, no visiting during 12:00–12:30 meals), ICU (14:30–16:30 & 18:30–20:00), and The Bostonian Ward (12:30–20:00), families can plan visits with confidence.
For other wards, the hospital follows general Visiting Arrangements, so it is always advisable to check directly with staff before travelling.
By respecting visiting times, protected meal breaks, and infection control measures, visitors play an active role in supporting patient recovery and maintaining a calm ward environment.
If you are preparing to visit Boston Pilgrim Hospital, take a moment to confirm the arrangements with the ward you plan to attend. This will help avoid any inconvenience and ensure your visit runs smoothly.
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