Heath Hospital visiting times follow structured schedules to ensure patients receive the rest they need while allowing family and friends to stay connected.
Officially known as the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff, Heath Hospital typically allows visitors during two main time slots: 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm for most adult wards.
Are you planning a visit and unsure when to go? Whether you’re visiting a loved one on a general ward or need to know the rules for special units like maternity, ICU, or paediatrics, this guide covers it all. With regular updates due to infection control and hospital policy changes, it’s essential to know when and how to visit safely.
In this article, you’ll find detailed ward-by-ward visiting times, up-to-date NHS guidance, and practical tips for a smooth hospital visit all based on current Cardiff and Vale University Health Board information.
Heath Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Visiting Hours for Adult Wards
At Heath Hospital, officially known as the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff, the general visiting hours for most adult inpatient wards are split into two sessions each day: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
These time slots are designed to ensure patients have adequate rest while maintaining opportunities for visitors to spend time with loved ones.
Visitors are usually limited to two people per patient at any given time, helping to manage ward capacity and maintain a calm, healing environment.
While visits do not typically require advance booking, some wards particularly those supporting vulnerable patients or undergoing infection control may have exceptions in place. It’s always advisable to check with the individual ward before planning your visit.
By following these hours, visitors can support patients’ recovery while respecting hospital routines and medical schedules.
After-Hours and Exceptional Visits
While Heath Hospital generally adheres to standard visiting times, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board does accommodate after-hours visits in exceptional circumstances.
These include patients receiving end-of-life care, sudden health deteriorations, or specific family support needs that cannot be addressed during standard hours.
To visit outside of the usual 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm slots, you’ll need approval from the ward manager or nurse in charge. They assess each request on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that patient care remains the priority while supporting compassionate access.
It’s important to note that hospital staff encourage visits to be kept to around two hours maximum per session. Even during permitted out-of-hours visits, this duration helps reduce disruption for other patients, particularly in shared wards.
For emergencies or special access requests, always contact the ward in advance. Doing so improves your chances of a smooth and respectful visit without unnecessary delays or restrictions.
COVID-19 and Norovirus Restrictions
Heath Hospital continues to follow infection control protocols in response to COVID-19 and seasonal outbreaks such as norovirus. During periods of increased infection risk, visiting restrictions may be temporarily introduced across several wards to protect vulnerable patients and healthcare staff.
In these instances, only essential visits are allowed for example, visits to patients receiving end-of-life care, birthing partners on maternity wards, or parents of children in paediatric units. These rules are applied flexibly but are guided by public health advice and NHS Wales infection control policies.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, diarrhoea, vomiting, or any contagious illness, you are strongly advised not to visit unless you’ve discussed it with hospital staff. Even asymptomatic carriers can pose a risk in clinical settings, particularly in critical care areas or oncology wards.
Always check the hospital’s latest updates online or contact your ward directly before travelling, as policies are reviewed weekly and may change at short notice.
Ward-Specific Visiting Times
ICU and High-Dependency Units
Visiting policies in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High-Dependency Units (HDUs) at Heath Hospital are tailored to accommodate the unique needs of critically ill patients while ensuring safety and clinical efficiency.
Typically, ICU visiting hours are divided into two extended sessions: 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. These extended windows offer families the opportunity to provide support during a patient’s critical recovery stage. However, due to the dynamic nature of intensive care, visiting may be paused during emergency procedures or patient handovers.
In the HDU, visiting hours often mirror those of general wards 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm but can vary based on the patient’s condition and treatment needs. Only two visitors at a time are permitted, and children are generally not allowed unless authorised by clinical staff.
Relatives are encouraged to phone ahead before each visit to check whether the patient is available, especially as circumstances in critical care can change rapidly.
Maternity and Neonatal Wards
At Heath Hospital, maternity visiting is structured to support both rest for new mothers and bonding time for families. On the Maternity Ward, partners or one nominated adult visitor may attend daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. During this period, mothers benefit from the emotional and practical support of their chosen companion.
Additional visitors, such as friends and extended family, are permitted from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, while siblings of the baby can visit between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. However, only two people are allowed at the bedside at any one time.
For babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), both parents or primary carers can visit at any time, day or night, except during short handover periods (7:30–8:00 am and 4:30–5:00 pm). Siblings may visit during specific hours usually 2:00–3:00 pm and 8:00–9:00 pm on weekends.
These guidelines help protect newborns from potential infections while still enabling critical early bonding and support.
Paediatric and Children’s Units
In the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and general children’s wards at Heath Hospital, visiting policies are designed to ensure children feel safe, supported, and surrounded by familiar faces during their hospital stay.
Parents or guardians are allowed to visit at any time, providing continuous support and comfort to their child. This unrestricted access is essential for maintaining emotional well-being, especially during longer admissions or complex treatments. To minimise disruption to nursing routines, handover times typically around 7:30–8:00 am and 4:30–5:00 pm may briefly limit visitor presence.
Siblings and close family members may also be allowed to visit, but usually during specific hours and with prior arrangement. Hospital staff will assess these requests on a case-by-case basis, taking into account infection control and the child’s condition.
To avoid disappointment or delays, it’s best to contact the ward in advance if additional visitors are expected or if you are unsure about any restrictions.
Emergency Department (A&E) Visitor Rules
Visiting a patient in the Emergency Department (ED) at Heath Hospital is slightly different from other hospital areas due to the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment.
Patients attending A&E may be accompanied by one person only, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a child needing both parents or a patient with communication, cognitive, or mobility challenges.
This one-visitor rule is in place to help manage space, maintain patient privacy, and support infection control in the busy department.
There are no fixed visiting hours for the Emergency Department, as patients arrive and are treated around the clock. However, access for visitors may be temporarily restricted during medical procedures, resuscitation, or if the area becomes overcrowded.
If you’re planning to accompany someone to A&E, it’s recommended to bring minimal belongings and be prepared for possible waiting periods. Always follow instructions from the triage team and clinical staff to ensure safety and efficiency.
Heath Hospital Visiting Policy
Number of Visitors and Duration
To maintain a calm and safe environment, Heath Hospital limits visits to two people per patient during each visiting session. This rule helps control foot traffic within wards and ensures that care routines are not disrupted.
Each visit is recommended to last no longer than two hours, even when split across the two daily visiting windows (typically 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm). Shorter visits are especially encouraged on high-dependency or shared wards, where patients may be more vulnerable or need additional rest.
If a larger group of family members wishes to visit, the hospital suggests staggering arrival times or designating two visitors per session. For special circumstances such as patients nearing the end of life exceptions may be granted with prior approval from senior ward staff.
Visitors should also factor in travel and parking time, particularly during busy hospital hours when on-site facilities may be limited.
Booking Requirements and Exceptions
Most wards at Heath Hospital do not require pre-booked visiting slots, making it convenient for friends and family to see loved ones during the standard hours. However, there are a few exceptions, particularly in specialist areas or during times of high infection control alert.
For example, green-zone elective surgery wards may require visitors to pre-book a one-hour visit. This measure helps maintain low-risk environments for post-operative patients. The ward staff will inform families of such requirements on admission, or you can contact the ward directly to confirm.
During COVID-19 surges or outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus, temporary visitor restrictions may be introduced, and booking might be enforced to reduce traffic and aid contact tracing. In these cases, online forms or telephone booking systems are typically made available.
Always check the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board website or ring the relevant ward before travelling, particularly if your visit is time-sensitive or essential.
Hygiene, PPE and Safety Guidelines
Maintaining high hygiene standards is a top priority at Heath Hospital to protect patients, visitors, and staff from the spread of infections. As a visitor, you are expected to follow specific infection prevention protocols throughout your visit.
Upon entering the hospital and ward areas, you should use the hand sanitiser stations provided and wash your hands thoroughly. If visiting a patient in a high-risk area such as ICU, oncology, or during an outbreak personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks, aprons, or gloves may be required. Ward staff will guide you on how to wear and dispose of this equipment safely.
You must also avoid visiting if you have any symptoms of respiratory illness, flu, COVID-19, diarrhoea, or vomiting. In such cases, visitors are asked to delay their visit until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved, unless an urgent exception is approved.
These guidelines are updated regularly based on public health advice and hospital-specific risk assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visiting hours at Heath Hospital in Cardiff?
Standard visiting times at Heath Hospital (University Hospital of Wales) are 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm for most adult wards. ICU, maternity, and paediatric units have different schedules. Always check with the specific ward before visiting.
Can I visit a patient outside standard visiting hours at UHW?
Yes, but only in exceptional cases, such as end-of-life care or urgent family support. You must get approval from the ward manager or senior nurse, and the visit may be time-limited or subject to restrictions depending on the patient’s condition.
Are there restrictions for visiting children or vulnerable patients?
Yes. Some wards, especially ICU or paediatrics, have tailored visiting rules. Parents usually have unrestricted access, while other visitors may have time limits or need prior authorisation. Siblings or children under 12 may not always be allowed, depending on infection control protocols.
Conclusion
Understanding Heath Hospital visiting times is essential for planning a safe, respectful, and supportive hospital visit.
Whether you’re seeing a patient on a general ward or navigating more specialised areas like maternity, ICU, or paediatrics, knowing the right times and policies helps ensure your visit runs smoothly.
Remember, the standard visiting slots of 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm apply to most adult wards, but some units require flexibility, booking, or extra precautions.
Always check with the relevant ward in advance, particularly during outbreak alerts or policy updates.
To make the most of your visit, follow hospital hygiene guidelines, limit your stay to the recommended duration, and avoid visiting if you’re unwell.
For more detailed visiting guides across Wales, explore our other articles at HospitalVisitTimes.com. Don’t forget to share this article if you found it useful help someone else plan their visit with confidence.
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