Fairfield Hospital visiting times typically run from 10 am to 7:30 pm across most wards, with some exceptions for specialist units like Critical Care and Surgical wards. Visitors are generally limited to two people per patient, and certain areas observe quiet hours or scheduled slots.
Planning a visit to Fairfield General Hospital can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of the right times, ward-specific policies, or how many people can attend.
This guide offers a clear, ward-by-ward breakdown of visiting hours, including contact numbers, special exemptions, and NHS guidelines.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one in the Acute Medical Unit or arranging an end-of-life visit, you’ll find everything you need below kept current and accurate using NHS data.
Fairfield Hospital Visiting Times
Fairfield General Hospital maintains open visiting hours from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm for most of its wards. This provides patients with regular social interaction, which is known to enhance wellbeing and recovery.
Some specialist units such as Surgical or Critical Care follow slightly different schedules or have designated rest periods.
For example, Critical Care (Ward 10) permits visits from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm only, with a designated quiet hour from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Meanwhile, Surgical Wards limit visits to two specific sessions on surgery day: 2:00–3:00 pm and 6:30–7:30 pm, before returning to the general visiting window.
These times are set to allow for medical procedures, rest, and infection control while keeping patients socially connected.
Visitors are encouraged to confirm individual ward times before arriving, especially during holidays or in the case of patient-specific care plans.
Hospital-Wide Visitor Policy & Access
Fairfield Hospital encourages patient visits within the standard hours but enforces a maximum of two visitors per patient at any given time. This policy is in place to ensure a calm environment, reduce the spread of infections, and maintain staff access to patients.
Visitors may swap in and out, meaning family members can take turns, as long as only two are at the bedside simultaneously. For vulnerable patients such as those with dementia, learning disabilities, or at the end of life more flexible visiting arrangements can be agreed upon with ward staff.
The hospital also adheres to the John’s Campaign principle, which allows carers of patients with cognitive conditions to stay beyond visiting hours. Entry to the hospital is typically through the main reception, and signage will guide you to specific wards.
Visitors should use hand sanitiser on entry and are advised not to visit if feeling unwell, particularly with flu, cough, or diarrhoea symptoms.
Contact Details for Wards & Enquiries
To ensure the most accurate and up-to-date visiting guidance, visitors are encouraged to contact the relevant ward directly. While general visiting times apply across much of Fairfield Hospital, certain wards may implement temporary restrictions or extend hours in exceptional circumstances.
Below are key contact points:
- General Switchboard: 0161 624 0420 (Ask for the ward by name or number.)
- Acute Medical Unit (AMU): Tel: 0161 778 2507 or 0161 778 2500
- Critical Care Unit (Ward 10): Contact via the hospital switchboard to be transferred directly.
- Ward 2 (Cardiology): Enquiries can be made through general reception or the hospital switchboard.
Visitors can also find contact numbers listed on the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust website under each ward’s patient information leaflet. It’s advisable to call ahead, particularly when visiting after a procedure, surgery, or when unsure about patient-specific arrangements.
Visiting Times by Ward
Acute Medical Unit (AMU) Visiting Rules
The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Fairfield Hospital follows the standard hospital visiting schedule, allowing visitors from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm daily. Up to two visitors per patient are allowed at a time, with the option for family members to rotate in throughout the day.
This ward typically handles patients needing urgent medical assessment and short-term stays, so visiting is structured to support quick recovery and regular communication between staff and families. The ward team encourages visitors to speak with the nurse in charge for any case-specific needs or flexible arrangements.
In cases involving patients with dementia, cognitive impairment, or end-of-life care, staff can permit longer visits or additional support. Visitors must be respectful of the shared space, maintain hygiene protocols, and avoid coming in if feeling unwell.
A short stay in AMU does not usually require overnight visitors, but exceptions can be made upon request through ward staff.
Cardiology Ward (Ward 2) Times
Visitors to Ward 2 (Cardiology) at Fairfield Hospital are welcome between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm, consistent with general hospital hours. This ward provides care for patients with heart-related conditions, including recovery after cardiac procedures or monitoring for complex cardiac diagnoses.
Each patient is allowed up to two visitors at the bedside at any one time. The staff supports a calm and therapeutic environment, so noise and group sizes are kept low. Visitors may alternate throughout the day, but should coordinate among themselves to avoid overcrowding.
Importantly, Ward 2 endorses the principles of the John’s Campaign, allowing family carers of patients with cognitive difficulties to stay longer or outside normal hours when necessary. This approach recognises the role of familiar support in recovery and stability.
Visitors are advised to limit mobile phone use, keep conversation quiet, and follow staff instructions closely, especially around equipment or during medical reviews.
Critical Care (Ward 10) Restrictions
Visiting Critical Care (Ward 10) at Fairfield Hospital is more restricted due to the specialised nature of the care provided. Visiting is permitted daily from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a mandatory quiet hour between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to support patient rest and recovery.
Only two visitors per patient are allowed at any one time, and the environment is kept calm and controlled. This ward typically cares for seriously ill or recovering patients who require intensive monitoring, so all visits must be pre-approved by the nursing team.
Children are generally not permitted unless in exceptional cases and with prior agreement. For families of patients in end-of-life care, dementia, or with special support needs, extended visiting can be arranged at the discretion of the nurse in charge.
Visitors should sanitise hands upon entry, remain seated if possible, and avoid bringing food, flowers, or mobile devices unless cleared by staff.
General Medical Wards
General medical wards, including Ward M3, at Fairfield Hospital operate under the standard open visiting hours of 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. These wards typically care for patients with long-term conditions or those recovering from non-surgical treatment plans.
While two visitors at a time is the general rule, the environment is slightly more relaxed, allowing for some flexibility especially if visitors are well spaced or quiet. Family members are encouraged to coordinate visits to reduce footfall and avoid disturbing other patients.
Children under 16 may visit if accompanied by an adult and with prior agreement from the nurse in charge. It is best to check with the ward before arrival, especially if the patient has specific needs or is under infection control measures.
All visitors should observe good hygiene, refrain from using phones at the bedside, and respect mealtimes and medical rounds when visits may be briefly paused.
Surgical Wards
Visiting Surgical Wards, such as Ward 12, at Fairfield Hospital requires more structure to support patients during post-operative recovery. On the day of surgery, visiting is restricted to two designated time slots:
- 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
After this, once patients are stable, the ward typically follows the broader hospital schedule of 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
To maintain a sterile and restful environment, only two adult visitors are allowed per patient, and visits from children under 16 must be pre-approved.
The ward team encourages family members to coordinate their times to avoid overlapping visits, and to check in with the nurse in charge if the patient requires extra support or is not well enough for guests.
Exceptions can be made for patients with cognitive impairments or where there is significant emotional or communication need, but this must be arranged in advance.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Visiting End-of-Life or Vulnerable Patients
Fairfield Hospital is committed to compassionate care, particularly for patients nearing the end of life or with severe conditions such as dementia or learning disabilities. In these situations, visiting restrictions are relaxed, and families may be allowed extended or overnight visits, depending on the patient’s condition and ward policy.
Relatives are advised to speak directly with the nurse in charge or ward manager to make these arrangements. Staff understand the emotional importance of being present during critical moments and will do their best to accommodate your needs while preserving patient dignity and care standards.
The hospital also supports the presence of essential carers those who provide ongoing personal or emotional support particularly for patients who struggle to communicate or who become distressed without familiar faces.
Children as Visitors
Children can visit patients at Fairfield Hospital, but there are some important restrictions. On general medical wards such as Ward M3, children under 16 may visit if accompanied by an adult and with prior approval from nursing staff. The decision often depends on the patient’s condition, ward environment, and whether any infection control measures are in place.
In more sensitive or critical areas like Critical Care (Ward 10) or Surgical Wards child visitors are usually discouraged, except in exceptional cases such as family emergencies or end-of-life care. In those circumstances, permission must be arranged in advance with the ward manager or senior nurse.
Families are encouraged to consider the emotional impact on young children, as some environments may be overwhelming. If allowed, children should remain calm, supervised, and avoid touching medical equipment or other patients’ spaces.
Overnight Stays and Essential Carers
While overnight visits are not the norm at Fairfield Hospital, they may be permitted in special cases. For instance, patients receiving end-of-life care, or those with dementia, learning disabilities, or other complex needs may be allowed to have an essential carer or family member stay overnight or outside of standard visiting hours.
These arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis and must be agreed in advance with the ward manager or senior clinical team. The hospital follows John’s Campaign principles, which support carers staying with patients who rely on their presence for comfort, communication, or orientation.
Overnight carers are usually expected to remain quietly at the bedside, and to follow hygiene, security, and privacy guidelines. Bedding or reclining chairs may be provided where possible, but space and availability vary by ward.
Visitors wishing to request overnight stays should contact the relevant ward directly via phone for specific guidance.
Conclusion
Fairfield Hospital maintains a clear and compassionate visiting policy, offering access between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm across most wards.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one in AMU, Cardiology, General Medical, or Surgical care, knowing the correct visiting times and expectations helps ensure a calm and supportive experience for both patients and staff.
Special units like Critical Care operate on shorter schedules with a dedicated quiet hour, while surgical patients may have fixed time slots on operation days.
Children, overnight carers, and exceptions are handled sensitively with the hospital balancing clinical needs and emotional support.
Before visiting, it’s always best to call the ward directly for up-to-date advice and to coordinate with other family members to avoid overcrowding.
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