Coventry Hospital visiting times, with a maximum of two visitors per patient and each visit lasting up to one hour.
Coventry Hospital visiting times apply across most inpatient wards at University Hospital Coventry, giving families and friends the chance to spend valuable time with loved ones during their stay.
For example, critical care units, maternity wards, paediatrics, and the neonatal unit have specific schedules and policies to protect patients and ensure safe care.
In this guide, we explain the full details of Coventry Hospital visiting times, ward-specific arrangements, and key guidelines you should be aware of.
General Coventry Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting times at Coventry Hospital are set to make visits safe, flexible, and consistent for all patients and their families. The standard Coventry Hospital visiting times are from 2 pm to 8 pm daily, across most inpatient wards. This schedule allows relatives to spend quality time with patients while giving staff enough space to carry out essential care.
Each patient can usually have up to two visitors at a time, with visits lasting around one hour. The hospital encourages family members to coordinate visits to ensure patients do not become overwhelmed and to help maintain a calm environment on the wards.
To reduce the spread of infections, visitors must not attend if they have symptoms such as a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or a contagious rash. This is especially important in wards with vulnerable patients, such as oncology and haematology.
Visitors are also reminded that fresh flowers are not allowed on wards due to infection control.
The hospital supports mealtime visits, as patients are more likely to eat and drink when encouraged by loved ones. This is part of a “protected mealtime” approach, which not only improves nutrition but also enhances emotional wellbeing.
Department-Specific Coventry Hospital Visiting Times
While the general visiting window applies to most wards, specific departments have different rules to ensure patient safety and clinical care.
Critical Care Units
Patients in intensive care require specialised support, which means visiting times are more controlled. In the General Critical Care Unit, visitors are welcome between 11 am and 1 pm and again from 3 pm to 7 pm. In the Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit, visiting runs from 11 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm daily.
To reduce disruption, only a small number of visitors are allowed at the bedside at once. Families are encouraged to coordinate visits and speak to the ward team for updates.
Haematology & Oncology
On Haematology Ward 34, visiting times are restricted to 2 pm to 4 pm. Patients in side rooms can have up to two visitors at once, while those in shared bays are limited to one visitor at a time. Staff may approve additional visits by phone if necessary.
On Oncology Ward 35, visiting is available 2 pm–4 pm and 6 pm–8 pm. These shorter visiting hours help protect patients with weakened immune systems while still allowing families to connect and support recovery.
Maternity Wards
Coventry Hospital supports partners and families during pregnancy and birth with a tailored visiting approach:
- One birth partner is welcome at any time, day or night, throughout labour and postnatal recovery.
- A maximum of two visitors, including the birth partner, are permitted between 7 pm and 8 pm.
- Two birth partners are allowed during labour.
This balance ensures that mothers receive support while maintaining a restful ward environment for recovery.
Neonatal Unit
The neonatal unit offers open access to parents, who can visit day or night. For siblings and grandparents, visiting is restricted to 8 am to 8 pm, with children only allowed if accompanied by a parent.
At the cot side, a maximum of two visitors are permitted at any one time. This ensures babies receive the quiet, controlled environment they need while still allowing families to bond with their newest members.
Paediatrics
A second adult visitor may join between 8 am and 8 pm, but no more than two adults are allowed at the bedside at once.
This rule helps protect vulnerable patients from infection while ensuring young visitors have the right supervision.
Outpatients, Emergency & Arden Centre
For outpatient clinics and emergency visits, the hospital generally allows one visitor per patient. This rule ensures space is available in busy waiting areas.
At the Arden Centre and Maple Unit:
- Chemotherapy suites do not allow visitors, due to infection risk.
- Pre-assessment clinics permit one visitor.
- Radiotherapy planning, reviews, and first treatments allow one visitor.
- General outpatient appointments typically permit one visitor.
These policies protect vulnerable patients while still giving them family support at key moments in treatment.
Special Circumstances & Exceptions
While Coventry Hospital follows standard visiting hours for most wards, staff recognise that some situations require extra flexibility. Patients nearing the end of life, or those who are seriously deteriorating, may receive visits outside the usual hours so families can spend more time together.
For patients with dementia, learning disabilities, or additional care needs, visiting arrangements may also be adapted. In such cases, a familiar carer or family member is often considered part of the patient’s care team, and longer or more frequent visits may be agreed.
Ward managers and nursing staff have the authority to grant these exceptions. Families are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with staff as soon as possible to make suitable arrangements. These compassionate allowances ensure that patients receive both medical care and emotional support during their hospital stay.
Visitor Guidelines & Restrictions
To maintain safety and comfort for patients, Coventry Hospital has a number of visitor guidelines in place:
- Health precautions: Visitors must not attend if they have cold or flu symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or other infectious illnesses.
- Hygiene: Hand sanitiser stations are available at ward entrances, and all visitors are expected to use them before and after visits.
- No fresh flowers: These are not permitted on wards due to infection risks. Cards, books, and wrapped gifts are welcome alternatives.
- Noise and mobile phones: Visitors are asked to keep noise levels low and respect quiet times, especially in shared wards.
- Parking and facilities: Parking is available at University Hospital Coventry, but spaces can be limited. Visitors should allow extra time before their visit. Food and drink outlets are available within the hospital for convenience.
- Mealtime visits: Families are encouraged to visit during meal service, as patients often eat better when supported by loved ones.
By following these guidelines, visitors help create a calm, safe, and supportive hospital environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Coventry Hospital visiting times?
General visiting times at University Hospital Coventry are 2 pm to 8 pm daily. Each patient can have up to two visitors at a time, with visits lasting around one hour. However, some departments such as ICU, maternity, paediatrics, and oncology have their own schedules, so it is always best to check before attending.
Can Children Visit Patients at Coventry Hospital?
Yes, children may visit in certain circumstances, but rules vary by department. In the neonatal unit, siblings can visit when accompanied by a parent, while in paediatrics, visiting by children is only allowed with staff approval. For safety reasons, visitor numbers and age restrictions are carefully managed to protect vulnerable patients.
Are Visiting Hours Different For Maternity and ICU?
Yes. Maternity wards allow a birth partner to visit at any time, with up to two visitors (including the partner) permitted between 7 pm and 8 pm. Critical Care Units (ICU and cardiothoracic) have set times: typically 11 am–1 pm and 3 pm–7 pm, though exact hours vary. Families should confirm arrangements directly with ward staff.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one in hospital can make a huge difference to their recovery and wellbeing. At Coventry Hospital, the standard visiting times are 2 pm to 8 pm daily, giving families and friends a clear window to spend meaningful time together.
While this schedule applies across most wards, some departments such as ICU, maternity, paediatrics, and oncology operate with their own visiting rules.
It’s always best to check in advance with the ward before travelling, especially if your relative has additional needs or is in a specialist unit. Visitors should also follow hospital guidelines on infection control, parking, and mealtime support to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
By understanding and respecting these policies, you can make your visit smoother and more rewarding for both you and your loved one.
For more information on local hospitals, you may also like to read our guide to Hospital Visiting Times.
Share this article to keep others informed!