Chorley hospital visiting times generally run from 2pm to 7pm daily for adult inpatient wards, with specific hours applying to maternity, neonatal, and critical care units.
These times are subject to change based on patient needs, ward type, and Trust policies, so it’s important to check ahead before visiting.
Planning a visit to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital? Whether you’re seeing a loved one on a general ward, attending a maternity appointment, or supporting a child or critical care patient, understanding the latest visiting hours can help you prepare properly.
This guide outlines everything you need to know, from flexible access policies to special arrangements for end-of-life care and minor injuries unit access. Read on to ensure your visit is smooth, respectful, and fully aligned with NHS guidelines and hospital protocols.
Chorley Hospital Visiting Times
Adult In-patient Wards
The standard visiting times at Chorley Hospital for adult inpatient wards are from 2pm to 7pm daily, including weekends and bank holidays.
These hours apply Trust-wide, covering both Chorley and its sister site, Royal Preston Hospital. Visitors are welcome to attend at any point within this five-hour window, provided their presence does not interfere with patient care or scheduled medical procedures.
The hospital encourages relatives and friends to visit in a calm and respectful manner, maintaining quietness on the wards and limiting noise levels to support patient recovery.
Patients may also request to restrict or limit visits, which the staff will always respect. It’s best practice to avoid visiting during mealtimes unless the patient specifically requires assistance with eating.
Rules for Multiple Visitors
Chorley Hospital currently allows two visitors per bed at any one time. If more than two people wish to visit, they should rotate during the visiting period.
This policy ensures safety, privacy, and comfort for all patients in shared bays. In single rooms, additional flexibility may be offered depending on the clinical situation.
Where families require more access such as in long-stay or palliative cases the ward manager or nurse in charge can approve extended visits or exceptions.
However, large groups or gatherings around one patient are discouraged unless approved in advance.
Booking and Identification Requirements
Unlike earlier pandemic restrictions, there is no need to pre-book visits to Chorley Hospital under current guidance. Visitors do not need to show ID, but may be asked to provide their name and relation to the patient at reception or the ward entrance.
To keep patients safe, any visitors showing signs of infectious illness (cough, diarrhoea, cold symptoms, etc.) are advised not to attend.
Hospital staff reserve the right to limit visiting if patient safety, dignity, or ward operations are compromised. As always, the hospital recommends calling the relevant ward directly before arriving if you’re unsure about the latest guidance.
Maternity Visiting Times
Visiting Rules for Partners
For maternity care at Chorley Hospital’s Birth Centre, one named birthing partner is permitted to visit at any time, including during labour, birth, and postnatal recovery.
This open-access arrangement ensures partners can be present during all stages of care, offering emotional support and practical assistance to the mother. The partner may also accompany the patient to scan appointments and remain throughout the early bonding process after delivery.
This 24/7 access is subject to basic hygiene rules, and the hospital asks partners to be mindful of staff operations and patient rest periods, especially during overnight stays.
Bringing Children or Second Visitors
In addition to the named partner, a second visitor (such as a friend, grandparent or relative) is allowed to attend between 2pm and 7pm daily. Children are also welcome during these hours, though they must be supervised at all times and remain calm and quiet during the visit.
For safety reasons, only siblings of the newborn are permitted under current Trust policy other children are not currently allowed on the ward.
The hospital encourages brief, meaningful visits over long stays to reduce disruptions to the ward environment and ensure all mothers receive rest and privacy.
If the ward becomes overcrowded, staff may ask visitors to rotate or return at a quieter time.
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
If a maternity patient is undergoing complications, prolonged labour, or high-dependency care, Chorley Hospital’s team may adapt the visiting policy to meet the family’s needs.
In some circumstances, additional visitors may be permitted temporarily. Families are encouraged to speak to the ward staff for advice if special support or flexibility is required.
Likewise, mothers with particular social, emotional or mental health needs may also request enhanced visiting access on a case-by-case basis.
Neonatal Unit (NICU) Visiting Hours
Access for Parents and Guardians
Chorley Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides open, 24/7 access for parents and legal guardians of admitted babies. This continuous availability recognises the importance of parental presence in supporting newborn development and bonding, especially in cases of prematurity or critical care.
Parents are encouraged to stay as long as they feel able, and the hospital provides support to make extended visits as comfortable as possible.
Parental visiting is never restricted unless there’s a safety or medical reason. Staff may occasionally ask parents to step out during shift handovers, procedures, or emergencies to maintain clinical confidentiality.
General Visitor Timings and Restrictions
Aside from parents, two other named adult visitors may attend daily during designated hours: 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 7pm.
Only two people (including parents) are permitted at a cot-side at any one time to ensure a quiet, controlled clinical environment. These additional visitors may include grandparents or close relatives, and must be pre‑agreed with the nursing team.
For infection control, any visitors with symptoms of illness including cold, flu, diarrhoea or COVID-19 should avoid entering the unit until cleared.
Quiet Hours and Staggered Visits
To promote rest and minimise overstimulation for vulnerable infants, the NICU encourages staggered visiting and low noise levels throughout the day. Parents may be asked to avoid bringing large groups, and mobile phones should be silenced during visits.
Bowland House accommodation is available on-site for parents needing to stay overnight near their babies. Ward staff can provide further information and assist with arrangements, particularly in prolonged hospitalisations.
Children’s Ward (Ward 8) Visiting Policy
When Parents Can Visit
On Chorley Hospital’s Children’s Ward (Ward 8), parents, guardians, and siblings are permitted to visit at any time, day or night.
This open access is designed to ensure young patients always have the emotional comfort and support of their family nearby, especially during overnight stays or extended admissions. Parents may stay bedside or use family lounge areas, depending on the child’s condition and room setup.
The hospital encourages parents to speak regularly with nursing staff about their child’s care and any changes to visiting preferences, particularly if the child becomes distressed or tired.
Visiting Rules for Other Family Members
Visitors other than immediate family (such as grandparents, friends, or extended relatives) are allowed at two set periods during the day:
- 3:30pm to 5:00pm
- 7:00pm to 8:00pm
This split schedule allows time for rest, medical routines, and mealtimes in between visiting windows.
During these hours, a maximum of two visitors per child is recommended, though staff may accommodate more if the environment allows.
All children under 16 visiting the ward must be accompanied by an adult, and visits should be kept calm and short to avoid overwhelming young patients.
As always, families with exceptional needs such as those with children undergoing long-term treatment or complex conditions can request additional visiting arrangements directly from the ward’s senior nurse.
Critical Care & High Dependency Units
Flexible Visiting in ICU
Visiting hours for Chorley Hospital’s Critical Care Unit (CCU), which includes Level 2 and Level 3 patients, are more flexible than standard wards due to the nature of care required.
While the Trust recommends visiting between 2pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday, visiting arrangements are typically agreed directly with the family at the time of admission.
Staff aim to accommodate family needs while balancing medical priorities, infection control, and the privacy of all patients in the unit. Visitors are asked to be patient and understanding, particularly during shift changes, ward rounds or emergency procedures when access may be temporarily paused.
Visitors may be required to use hand hygiene stations and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the clinical situation.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Visiting Hours
- Level 2 (High Dependency Unit): Visiting usually aligns with the standard 2pm–7pm schedule unless the patient’s condition allows for additional flexibility. One or two visitors at a time are typically allowed.
- Level 3 (Intensive Care): Access may be further limited or arranged outside standard hours based on clinical status. Families are often given designated slots and regular updates by critical care liaison staff.
If a patient’s condition deteriorates or reaches end-of-life status, open visiting will be arranged, and additional support services made available to relatives. Chaplaincy and bereavement services are also on hand to assist during difficult periods.
End-of-Life and Exceptional Circumstances
Open Visiting Access
For patients receiving end-of-life care at Chorley Hospital, the Trust offers open visiting access, allowing family members and close friends to be present as much as needed.
There are no set time limits, and visitors may attend during early mornings, late evenings, or overnight based on the individual situation and in coordination with ward staff.
This compassionate approach supports emotional connection and dignity during a critical time for both patients and their loved ones. Staff will do their best to accommodate privacy, seating, refreshments, and spiritual support where required.
To manage the comfort of all patients, only a small number of visitors may be allowed at the bedside at any one time. The hospital encourages rotation of visitors and requests quiet behaviour within the ward environment.
Support for Bereaved Families
In the event of a patient’s passing, Chorley Hospital offers bereavement support through its chaplaincy and specialist services. Families may request time with the patient in a private area and are supported through immediate next steps, including collection of belongings, certificates, and emotional support.
Staff are trained to handle sensitive circumstances respectfully and can guide visitors on accessing bereavement counselling, hospital mortuary services, and liaison with funeral providers if needed.
Where a patient is approaching end-of-life but not yet in palliative care, family members are encouraged to speak with the nurse in charge to request additional access or clarification about visiting flexibility.
Emergency Department Visitor Guidance
Chorley Minor Injuries Unit Hours
The Emergency Department at Chorley Hospital operates as a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), open daily from 8am to 8pm. It is designed to treat non-life-threatening injuries in adults, such as sprains, minor burns, cuts, and simple fractures.
There is no overnight service, and any serious emergencies are redirected to Royal Preston Hospital.
Visitors accompanying patients to the MIU are welcome during operating hours. However, only one companion per patient is advised in the waiting or treatment areas, particularly during busy periods. This ensures a calm and manageable environment for both patients and staff.
Patients under 18 or those with maternity-related issues should not attend Chorley’s MIU and will be redirected elsewhere.
Where to Go for Maternity and Child Emergencies
Chorley Hospital does not have a full Emergency Department for children or maternity emergencies. Parents seeking urgent care for babies, children, or pregnant individuals should go directly to Royal Preston Hospital’s A&E department, which offers 24-hour emergency services for all patient types.
If uncertain, NHS 111 can provide telephone triage and guide callers to the most appropriate service, including whether attendance at MIU or full A&E is required.
Visitors to emergency areas should follow all infection control advice, wear face masks if requested, and be prepared for wait times during peak hours.
Facilities for Visitors
Parking and Charges
Visitors to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital can use the on-site public car parks, located close to all main entrances.
Standard parking charges apply, though concessions may be available for those visiting patients on a regular basis such as long-stay inpatients, end-of-life care, or carers supporting a loved one.
Current rates (as of 2025) typically range from:
- £2 for up to 2 hours
- £4 for up to 4 hours
- £6 for a full day
Visitors are encouraged to use pay machines or mobile payment systems and display valid tickets clearly. Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays but must register their badge at reception.
Staff at the hospital’s main entrance or general office can offer help with concessions or weekly parking passes where eligible.
Accommodation at Bowland House
For visitors needing to stay overnight particularly those supporting patients in the Neonatal Unit, Critical Care or end-of-life situations accommodation is available at Bowland House, located on hospital grounds.
This facility offers private rooms, shared amenities, and a quiet environment for family members during difficult times.
Access to Bowland House is arranged through the ward team or the hospital’s Patient Experience Office. Spaces are prioritised based on clinical need and availability.
The hospital advises contacting the relevant ward early if overnight accommodation is required, especially during busy periods or peak seasons.
Virtual Visiting Options
If visiting in person is not possible, Chorley Hospital offers virtual visiting solutions using phones, tablets or hospital-supported video links. These are particularly helpful for relatives living far away or during temporary restrictions.
Wards can help set up video calls or arrange times for family members to connect with patients. In some cases, hospital volunteers may assist patients who are unfamiliar with technology.
Conclusion
Understanding the correct Chorley Hospital visiting times helps ensure a smoother, more respectful experience for both patients and visitors.
For most adult wards, visiting is open daily from 2pm to 7pm, with flexible access available for maternity partners, NICU parents, and those supporting patients in critical or end-of-life care.
The hospital maintains a balanced approach welcoming visitors while safeguarding the wellbeing and privacy of all patients.
From child-friendly visiting windows to around-the-clock parental access in neonatal care, Chorley Hospital’s policies reflect both clinical needs and family priorities.
Always call ahead to the ward if you’re unsure about specific visiting rules or want to make special arrangements. And if you can’t visit in person, ask about video call support to stay connected.
Looking to visit Royal Preston or another nearby hospital? Explore more guides on HospitalVisitTimes.com to find up-to-date hours and advice for every NHS trust in the UK.
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