Dorchester Hospital visiting times are generally from 11 am to 8 pm daily, with specific rules for critical care, maternity, and paediatrics. Visitors are encouraged to follow hygiene protocols and avoid peak mealtimes (12 pm to 1.30 pm).
Planning to visit a loved one at Dorset County Hospital? Whether you’re heading to the general ward, maternity unit, or critical care, knowing the current visiting hours and rules can save time and avoid disappointment.
This guide offers clear, up-to-date information based on NHS and hospital trust policies, helping you make your visit smoother and more meaningful.
From booking requirements to alternative communication options, we cover everything you need to know.
Dorchester Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting times at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester are designed to provide flexibility for families while ensuring that patient care and rest remain a priority.
The general visiting hours across most adult wards are 11 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. This window allows loved ones ample time to visit without disrupting essential medical routines.
Protected Mealtimes
All general wards observe protected mealtimes usually between 12 pm and 1:30 pm. During these hours, visiting is discouraged to ensure patients can eat undisturbed and receive nutritional support if needed.
Visitors arriving near lunchtime should consider waiting until after 1:30 pm or confirming arrangements with ward staff.
Patients may be permitted visitors during mealtimes if assistance with feeding is needed this is usually pre-arranged with the nurse in charge. It’s best to check directly with the ward.
How Many Visitors Are Allowed?
Most wards permit a maximum of two visitors at a time per patient. If you’re attending as a family group or with children, it’s advisable to rotate visits or speak to staff for special arrangements. Children under 12 may not be allowed unless agreed in advance.
Visiting Tips
- Avoid peak hours such as weekends or early afternoons if possible.
- Use public transport or arrive early as hospital parking can be limited.
- Always wash your hands before and after visiting and avoid coming if you’re unwell.
Special Unit Visiting Times
Not all hospital wards follow the same visiting hours. At Dorset County Hospital, specialist units such as maternity, intensive care, and paediatrics have unique visiting rules designed to balance family support with clinical care and infection control.
Maternity & Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
If you’re visiting someone in the Maternity Unit, there are more flexible visiting arrangements for partners and key support persons.
Partners can visit at any time of day, including overnight if the patient is in a private or single-occupancy room. For all other visitors, the designated hours are 2 pm to 7 pm daily.
In the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU):
- Parents and legal guardians have 24-hour access.
- Siblings are welcome between 8 am and 8 pm, but their visits must be pre-arranged and supervised.
- Other family members (aged 16+) may visit from 2 pm to 7 pm, typically with one visitor per cot space.
All visitors must be free of illness and follow strict hygiene procedures to protect vulnerable newborns.
Critical Care Unit Visiting
The Critical Care Unit (ICU) requires more structured visiting:
- Visiting is allowed during 1 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm.
- You may need to pre-book your visit to manage space and patient privacy.
Because patients in critical care are often very ill or recovering from major interventions, it’s important to follow staff guidance closely. Children are usually not permitted unless by exception.
Kingfisher Ward
At the Kingfisher Ward, which caters to paediatric patients:
- One parent or carer may stay overnight with the child and visit at any time.
- Other family members can visit during standard daytime hours, but visits from children under 12 may need prior approval.
Comfort items such as books, soft toys, and tablets are often encouraged to make the environment more welcoming for young patients.
Hospital Rules for Visitors
While visiting a patient at Dorchester Hospital, it’s essential to follow the hospital’s visitor guidelines to protect both patients and staff. These rules ensure a safe, respectful, and calm environment for recovery.
Age Restrictions and Group Sizes
The hospital allows a maximum of two visitors per patient at any one time. Children under 12 are generally not permitted to visit unless approved by ward staff, especially in high-risk or intensive care areas. In maternity or paediatric wards, exceptions are made for siblings under supervision.
If you are planning to visit as a family or group, it’s best to rotate your visits or speak to staff about accommodating special circumstances.
Hygiene & Infection Control
To minimise the risk of infection:
- Do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting. You must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before entering the hospital.
- Use hand sanitiser or wash hands thoroughly upon entering and exiting the ward.
- Face masks are not required in most areas, but signage will indicate if masks or additional PPE are necessary.
These measures are in line with NHS England guidance and help protect vulnerable patients from COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses.
Items Not Allowed
To reduce allergens and infection risks, visitors are asked not to bring:
- Flowers or potted plants
- Latex balloons
- Strongly scented toiletries or perfumes
Instead, consider safer alternatives like cards, unscented wipes, or hospital-approved snacks.
Respecting these rules supports the hospital’s mission to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for all patients.
Alternatives to In-Person Visits
If you’re unable to visit a loved one at Dorchester Hospital in person due to distance, illness, or scheduling conflicts there are several alternative ways to stay connected and offer support.
Video Calling Options
The hospital provides access to video calling through secure, NHS-supported apps such as Lifesize. These can be used on personal devices or via dedicated Trust iPads available on most wards. Patients who are well enough to engage can arrange virtual visits with help from ward staff.
Video calls are especially useful for:
- Long-stay patients
- Family members living outside Dorset
- Children who are too young to visit in person
It’s recommended to schedule these sessions in advance to avoid busy periods or clashes with clinical routines.
Email a Message to a Patient
Friends and family can also send written messages via email to: [email protected]. These messages are printed and delivered by the hospital’s Patient Experience Team.
This is a thoughtful option if:
- The patient can’t manage a device
- You’d like to include drawings or well wishes from children
- You want to send encouragement during recovery
The hospital aims to deliver these messages daily, providing a small but meaningful boost for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the visiting hours at Dorchester Hospital?
Most general wards at Dorset County Hospital are open to visitors from 11 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. However, protected mealtimes between 12 pm and 1:30 pm may restrict access. Critical care, maternity, and paediatric units have separate schedules.
2. Can children visit Dorset County Hospital?
Yes, but with limitations. Children under 12 are typically not allowed to visit general wards unless previously agreed with ward staff. In maternity and paediatric units, supervised visits from siblings may be permitted during designated hours.
3. Are there restrictions for visiting the ICU or maternity units?
Yes. The Critical Care Unit allows visitors from 1 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm, usually with pre-booking. In the Maternity Unit, partners can visit any time, while other visitors are limited to 2 pm to 7 pm.
4. How can I contact a patient if I can’t visit in person?
You can send a message to [email protected], or request a video call using hospital iPads and supported apps like Lifesize. These alternatives are especially useful during illness or travel limitations.
Conclusion
Understanding Dorchester Hospital visiting times can help you make the most of your time with a loved one while respecting hospital routines and patient wellbeing.
With general visiting hours from 11 am to 8 pm, flexible maternity access, and options for video calls or email messages, Dorset County Hospital offers multiple ways for families to stay connected.
Whether you’re planning a first-time visit or returning regularly, it’s important to follow hospital guidelines on hygiene, restricted items, and ward-specific access to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
For smoother visits, check ahead with the ward, arrive outside of protected mealtimes, and always stay home if you’re unwell.
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