Broomfield Hospital visiting times for most inpatient wards are from 11 am to 8 pm daily, with extended or restricted hours depending on the ward.
Special units like the ICU, maternity, and neonatal departments follow tailored visiting schedules. Visitors must follow infection control rules and may be affected by seasonal restrictions.
Planning a hospital visit in Chelmsford? Whether you’re seeing a loved one in recovery or attending a maternity ward, knowing when you can visit is crucial. Being turned away at the door due to updated policies or missed timings is frustrating and easily avoidable.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about visiting Broomfield Hospital, including up-to-date hours, ward-specific rules, current NHS restrictions, and tips to make your visit stress-free.
Broomfield Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding the general visiting schedule at Broomfield Hospital is essential for planning a smooth and stress-free visit. While the hospital welcomes visitors, its schedule is designed to balance patient care, rest, and safety.
Standard Inpatient Ward Hours
The standard Broomfield Hospital visiting times for general inpatient wards are from 11 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. This allows a flexible window for family and friends to visit without overwhelming patients or clinical teams.
These timings apply to most non-specialist wards, including medical, surgical, and rehabilitation units. However, it’s wise to check with the specific ward before travelling, especially if the patient has recently been moved or transferred.
During visiting hours, up to two visitors per patient are typically allowed at any given time, but this can vary based on the ward’s discretion or the patient’s condition. Visitors should always use designated entrances and follow the hospital’s latest health guidance, particularly during cold and flu seasons.
Weekday vs Weekend Visiting
There is no difference between weekday and weekend visiting times at Broomfield Hospital visits are permitted daily from 11 am to 8 pm. However, some wards may operate with more flexibility or impose quiet periods during weekends to allow patients additional rest.
Weekend visits are popular, which may lead to busier waiting areas and limited parking availability. Planning your visit earlier in the day or just after lunchtime may help avoid peak times.
During public holidays or periods of high patient volume (e.g. winter surges), the hospital may introduce temporary changes, such as limiting visits to one person per patient or reducing hours altogether. Always check the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust website before your visit.
Parking & Access Info
Broomfield Hospital provides onsite visitor parking across several car parks, including Blue Badge spaces for disabled visitors. Parking charges apply on a pay-as-you-go basis via ticket machines or mobile apps.
There’s a drop-off zone near the main entrance for those escorting elderly or immobile patients, and Chelmsford’s Park and Ride service connects to the hospital site for easier access during busy periods.
Before arriving, check signage for ward directions and make note of the hospital’s walking distances between departments, as some areas (like ICU or maternity) may be located in separate wings of the hospital.
Visiting Hours by Department
Each department at Broomfield Hospital follows a visiting policy tailored to the needs of its patients. These specialised areas often operate with stricter controls to protect vulnerable individuals or accommodate clinical routines. Here’s what you need to know before visiting.
ICU & High Dependency Units
Visiting times for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDU) at Broomfield Hospital are from 2 pm to 4 pm and again from 5 pm to 7 pm. These split sessions ensure patients receive essential medical care without interruption.
Only one or two visitors per patient are usually permitted at any one time, and visits may be shortened depending on the patient’s condition or ward activity. Due to the critical nature of care, visitors may be asked to wait outside during emergencies or rounds.
The staff will often provide guidance upon arrival and may approve exceptions for close relatives, particularly in cases of end-of-life care. It’s always recommended to call the ICU or HDU directly to confirm arrangements before travelling.
Maternity (Labour, Antenatal, Postnatal)
Broomfield Hospital’s maternity services have separate visiting rules for each stage of care:
- Labour Ward: Two birthing partners are allowed during active labour. After delivery, general visiting is permitted 2 pm–7 pm.
- Antenatal Ward: Visiting hours run from 9 am to 8.30 pm. Birth partners are welcome to stay throughout the day.
- Postnatal Ward: One named person can visit between 6 am and midnight, with general visiting between 2 pm and 7 pm.
These hours were extended in January 2025 to enhance support for new mothers. Visitors are advised not to bring young children unless agreed with staff. Maternity areas have strict hygiene policies, especially during winter.
Neonatal & Children’s Wards
For the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), access is available 24 hours a day, but is strictly limited to parents or guardians. Siblings or other family members are not routinely permitted due to infection control protocols.
On paediatric wards, visiting runs from 10 am to 8 pm. One parent or carer is typically allowed to remain with the child around the clock, including overnight. Additional visitors may be permitted during standard hours depending on clinical needs.
Visitors are advised to bring only essential items and ensure they are free from cold or flu symptoms. Nurses will provide masks or sanitiser when needed.
Emergency Department & SDEC
The Emergency Department (ED) and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) units follow stricter visiting controls due to high patient turnover and urgent treatment demands:
- A&E (ED): Only one visitor per patient is allowed, and visits may be restricted further depending on capacity.
- SDEC (A204): Open 8 am–8 pm on weekdays and 10 am–6 pm at weekends.
Visitors to emergency units are often asked to wait outside unless the patient is a child, elderly, or vulnerable. Calling ahead to the ED reception may save time and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Visitor Rules & NHS Policies
To ensure patient safety and comfort, Broomfield Hospital enforces clear visitor rules across all wards. These policies are aligned with NHS guidelines and may change depending on seasonal health risks or national alerts.
Covid-19 & Infection Precautions
While national COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, infection control remains a top priority at Broomfield Hospital. The hospital actively manages risks related to norovirus, RSV, flu, and other transmissible illnesses.
Visitors must not attend if they have symptoms such as:
- A cough, cold, or sore throat
- Diarrhoea or vomiting within the past 48 hours
- Fever or contagious rashes
Hand sanitising stations are located at all entrances, and face masks may still be required in high-risk wards (e.g. ICU, oncology). Staff may conduct symptom screening or limit access during outbreak periods.
These measures are in place to protect immunocompromised patients and reduce ward closures, especially during the winter “quad-demic” season.
Who Can Visit & Age Limits
Generally, up to two visitors are allowed per patient during designated hours. However, some units such as ICU or paediatrics may restrict access to one person at a time or prioritise close family only.
Children under 12 are discouraged from visiting inpatient wards unless discussed with the nurse in charge. Exceptions may be made for siblings in the maternity or paediatric units, but only under supervision.
For maternity wards, named birth partners may stay longer or visit outside normal hours, subject to the patient’s condition and staff approval.
Bringing Gifts or Food
While small gifts such as magazines, books, or flowers are generally welcome (except in ICU), bringing homemade food is not allowed due to health and hygiene concerns.
Visitors may bring shop-bought, sealed items in moderation, especially for long-stay patients but it’s best to check with nursing staff beforehand.
Please avoid strong-smelling items (like perfumes or lilies), and do not bring electrical items without first confirming safety clearance.
Seasonal & Temporary Restrictions
Broomfield Hospital, like many NHS facilities, may enforce temporary visiting restrictions in response to seasonal outbreaks or rising infection levels. These adjustments are typically announced via the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s official channels.
Winter Pressures & Quad-Demic Updates
During the colder months, Broomfield Hospital sees a sharp rise in admissions related to influenza, norovirus, RSV, and Covid-19. In response, the Trust may:
- Suspend visiting in affected wards
- Limit visitors to one per patient or only immediate family
- Shorten visiting windows or introduce pre-visit screenings
In January 2025, for example, visiting was temporarily suspended across multiple wards due to the “quad-demic” surge. Notices were issued instructing visitors to check online or call ahead before travelling.
These decisions are made to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable inpatients, particularly in ICUs and surgical wards.
What to Do if Visiting Is Suspended
If you learn that a ward is under restricted access:
- Contact the ward directly numbers are available on the Trust website.
- Speak to a nurse or matron if the visit is essential (e.g. end-of-life care).
- Use virtual alternatives staff may help patients connect with relatives via video calls.
Always check the Broomfield Hospital homepage or their Facebook page for real-time updates. Avoid turning up unannounced, especially during high-risk periods like winter or following an infection outbreak.
Visitors are encouraged to support their loved ones in other ways during closures such as sending letters, small care packages, or messages via ward staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current visiting times at Broomfield Hospital?
General visiting times at Broomfield Hospital are 11 am to 8 pm daily for most inpatient wards. Specialised areas like ICU, maternity, and neonatal units have their own tailored hours. Always check with the specific ward before visiting, as hours may change due to seasonal pressures or infection control.
Are visitors allowed in the maternity and neonatal units?
Yes. Maternity wards at Broomfield allow extended access for birth partners and general visitors during set hours:
- Labour Ward: 2 pm–7 pm (plus birthing partners during labour)
- Antenatal: 9 am–8.30 pm
- Postnatal: 6 am–midnight (one named person)
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) allows 24/7 parental access but restricts other visitors to protect newborns.
Can I visit someone in ICU or the emergency department?
Yes, but visiting is limited. The ICU/High Dependency Unit allows visitors from 2–4 pm and 5–7 pm, often with only one person at a time. The Emergency Department (ED) permits one visitor per patient, subject to staff discretion and capacity. Always call ahead for guidance.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct Broomfield Hospital visiting times can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your visit is both meaningful and compliant with current NHS guidelines.
With general hours set from 11 am to 8 pm and ward-specific policies in place, it’s important to check ahead especially if visiting specialist units like ICU, maternity, or paediatrics.
Seasonal restrictions, infection control protocols, and parking logistics can all affect your visit. Planning in advance, respecting hospital policies, and staying informed will help you support your loved ones safely and responsibly.
Always phone the ward directly or check the hospital website before attending, especially during winter or public health alerts.
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