Kettering General Hospital visiting times are typically between 2pm and 8pm daily for most adult inpatient wards, allowing up to two visitors per patient. However, specific wards like ICU, maternity, paediatrics, and elderly care follow their own schedules.
Are you planning to visit a loved one at Kettering General Hospital? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning after a period of restriction, it’s vital to know when you can visit, what rules apply, and how to prepare.
This guide breaks down the current visiting times by ward, highlights exceptions for parents, carers, and critical care units, and explains what to expect upon arrival.
Backed by NHS guidelines and the hospital’s official policy, this article ensures you have the most accurate, up-to-date details for a smooth and respectful hospital visit.
Kettering General Hospital Visiting Times
General Adult Wards
Visiting times at Kettering General Hospital for most adult inpatient wards are set from 2:00pm to 8:00pm every day. This provides a consistent afternoon and early evening window for friends and family to visit without disrupting medical routines or patient rest periods.
The six-hour visiting window is designed to balance accessibility with hospital operational needs. It allows flexibility for working visitors while still ensuring wards can maintain infection control and patient care protocols.
These standard times apply across the majority of wards unless otherwise stated, such as in intensive care or paediatrics.
All visitors are advised to arrive during these hours and check in at the nurse’s station. If you are unsure whether your loved one is in a ward with different rules, it’s always best to call ahead.
This structure helps the hospital maintain a calm, healing environment while ensuring that patients receive essential emotional support from their visitors.
Number of Visitors Allowed Per Patient
Each patient on general wards is allowed a maximum of two visitors at a time. This rule applies regardless of the time of day and is in place to reduce crowding and allow healthcare staff to provide uninterrupted care.
While there’s no official limit to how many people can visit across the day, only two individuals can be present with the patient at any one time.
For larger families or groups, it’s recommended to coordinate visits in shifts. Hospital staff may grant exceptions under special circumstances such as for end-of-life care or patients needing extra support.
Always remember to check with the ward in advance if more visitors are expected or if anyone has special accessibility needs.
Rules on Children Visiting
Children are generally allowed to visit patients at Kettering General Hospital, but with important conditions. Most adult wards permit child visitors only if they are supervised by an adult and well enough to attend.
Children must not show any symptoms of illness, especially respiratory infections or viral conditions, which could compromise patient safety.
On some specialist wards, particularly ICU, CCU, and surgical units, child visits may be restricted or discouraged unless there is a compassionate reason, such as end-of-life visits or for patients who are also parents. In these cases, you may need prior approval from the nurse in charge.
In the paediatric and maternity units, children’s visiting times are more flexible. For instance, siblings may be allowed to visit between 1pm and 7pm, particularly in the Skylark Ward, though not in neonatal intensive care areas.
To avoid disappointment, always check with the ward before bringing children along, and prepare them for the hospital environment if it’s their first visit.
Ward-Specific Visiting Times
While general visiting hours at Kettering General Hospital are 2pm to 8pm daily, some wards operate with different schedules to suit the needs of their patients. Below is a detailed breakdown of key exceptions across departments.
ICU, CCU, and High Dependency Units
In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), visiting is more controlled to protect vulnerable patients.
Visiting hours typically run from 2pm to 7pm, with visits limited to two people at a time. Given the complex nature of care in these units, visitors may need to wait for staff clearance before entering, especially if procedures are underway.
In the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), hours are split into two daily sessions:
- 2pm to 4pm
- 6pm to 8pm
These set periods help reduce interruptions to patient monitoring and treatment, while still allowing loved ones regular contact. In both ICU and CCU, exceptions may be made on compassionate grounds, such as end-of-life situations or emotional support needs.
Maternity and Neonatal Wards
In the maternity ward, only one nominated birth partner is usually allowed during labour and recovery. In postnatal areas, that partner may also stay overnight in some cases. Siblings and other relatives are allowed to visit but typically only during specific afternoon hours, often between 1pm and 7pm.
For the Neonatal Unit, the policy is stricter. Only parents or legal guardians may visit, with open access. All other visitors, including siblings, are not permitted to ensure the safety of premature or medically fragile infants.
Before visiting maternity or neonatal areas, it’s essential to check the hospital’s latest rules or contact the ward directly, as access may vary based on patient condition or infection control status.
Paediatric and Skylark Ward
For children admitted to Kettering General Hospital, the Skylark Ward and Paediatric Assessment Unit offer more flexible visiting arrangements to prioritise parental presence and emotional stability.
- Parents or legal guardians are allowed 24-hour access, ensuring that children have continuous support throughout their hospital stay.
- Only one parent is permitted to remain at the bedside overnight.
- Siblings and other relatives may visit between 1pm and 7pm, though younger siblings should be supervised and symptom-free.
These guidelines help balance the comfort of paediatric patients with the need for infection prevention and rest. The ward staff are generally accommodating, particularly for longer-term stays, and may offer more flexible options if arranged in advance.
Parents are encouraged to speak with the nurse in charge about practicalities like sleeping arrangements, meal provisions, and visitor rules specific to their child’s situation.
Mental Health and Special Care Units
Visiting times in mental health units or geriatric care wards like Lamport, Harrowden, or HC Pretty may differ slightly. While many follow the 2pm–8pm model, individual needs often take priority.
In some mental health areas, visits are scheduled in blocks to allow therapeutic activities and avoid overstimulation. Carers and family members may also request more personalised visiting plans through the ward manager, especially if the patient has cognitive impairments, dementia, or specific behavioural care needs.
For these sensitive wards, the hospital recommends phoning ahead. Staff will assess whether the patient is ready for visits and provide tailored advice based on care plans.
Flexible and Special Circumstance Visits
While standard hospital visiting rules apply to most patients, Kettering General Hospital also recognises that some individuals require greater flexibility and support. For carers, those at the end of life, or patients with additional needs, special arrangements can be made.
End-of-Life and John’s Campaign Access
If a patient is receiving end-of-life care, visiting hours become much more lenient. Family members are often permitted to stay beyond the regular 2pm to 8pm window and in many cases, can visit around the clock. The hospital encourages compassionate access and works with families to make this time as supportive as possible.
Kettering General also supports John’s Campaign, which advocates for carers of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment to be treated as essential participants in care. Under this campaign, carers may gain flexible access potentially beyond the usual visitor limits and timings.
Families are encouraged to speak directly with the nurse in charge to request extended visiting and discuss practical arrangements.
Disability, Dementia, and Carer Policies
Patients with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, or communication challenges may benefit from enhanced visiting rights, especially if a carer provides essential support. In these cases, the carer may be treated as part of the clinical care team rather than as a standard visitor.
Access can often be extended to ensure consistency in routines, emotional comfort, and patient comprehension factors that are especially critical during medical procedures or ward transitions.
It’s recommended that families notify the hospital in advance if a patient has additional support needs. The Hospital Passport or a Reasonable Adjustment plan can also be discussed with the ward team to formalise flexible visiting arrangements.
Overnight Stay Permissions
Overnight stays are not typically permitted for general visitors but are allowed under specific circumstances:
- Birth partners in maternity units may stay overnight during labour and immediate postnatal care.
- One parent can stay overnight in paediatric areas.
- Close relatives of end-of-life patients may also be accommodated, space and situation allowing.
In all other cases, overnight access is considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by ward staff. If you believe your circumstances justify an overnight stay, speak to the nurse in charge well in advance to check availability and requirements.
Visiting Rules & Restrictions
To maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff, Kettering General Hospital has a set of clear visiting rules. These help manage infection risk, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure patient recovery remains the priority.
Infection Control and COVID-19 Precautions
Kettering General Hospital follows strict infection prevention policies, which may impact visiting availability during times of increased viral transmission. While standard visiting has resumed, restrictions may still apply in cases of:
- COVID-19 outbreaks on specific wards
- Flu or norovirus circulation
- Infections such as Group A streptococcus
Visitors experiencing cold, flu, diarrhoea, or any respiratory symptoms should not enter the hospital. Even if you’re feeling mildly unwell, it’s best to reschedule your visit or call the ward for guidance.
Face masks may be required in high-risk areas or for certain vulnerable patients. Hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the hospital, and all visitors are expected to use them upon entry and exit.
In the event of a widespread outbreak, the hospital may temporarily suspend visiting, limit durations, or enforce appointment-based visits.
What You Can and Cannot Bring
Visitors are welcome to bring in personal items to comfort patients, but there are a few restrictions:
- Allowed: toiletries, clean clothes, phones/tablets, chargers, books or puzzles
- Not allowed: fresh flowers (infection risk), hot food, latex balloons, alcohol, or sharp items
All items should be clean and clearly labelled. Electrical devices must be in good condition, and use may be restricted during quiet hours or in shared bays.
Some wards have lockers or storage spaces check with staff before leaving valuables.
Parking, Entry, and Sign-In Procedures
Visitors arriving by car can use the on-site pay-and-display car parks. Charges apply daily, with concessions available for long-stay visitors or those on low income.
Upon arrival:
- Check in at the main reception or ward entrance
- Sanitise your hands and wear a face covering if requested
- Confirm the patient’s name and ward location
In certain wards, such as ICU or maternity, additional security or intercom entry may be in place. During out-of-hours access, visitors may need to buzz for entry or check in via a side entrance.
Always allow extra time for parking and check-in, especially during weekends or visiting peaks (3pm to 5pm tends to be busiest).
Contact Details & Confirming Visiting Hours
While this guide covers the standard and ward-specific visiting times at Kettering General Hospital, there may be situations where calling ahead is essential especially if the patient has recently been moved or if infection control measures are in place.
Ward Telephone Directory
Each ward has its own direct telephone number, allowing you to speak with a nurse or administrator for the most accurate visiting information. Here are some key contacts:
- Clifford Ward: 01536 491503 / 491502
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): 01536 492760 / 492824
- Skylark Ward (Paediatrics): 01536 492097
- Maternity Unit: 01536 492000 (ask for Labour/Postnatal)
- Coronary Care Unit (CCU): 01536 491207
- HDU/Medical wards: Numbers vary by ward – use main switchboard if unsure
For wards not listed, call the hospital switchboard at 01536 492000 and ask to be connected.
When to Call Ahead
It is strongly recommended to phone the ward:
- If you are planning to visit outside normal hours
- When bringing children or vulnerable adults
- To confirm end-of-life access or flexible arrangements
- During local illness outbreaks, e.g. COVID or flu
- If the patient has recently been moved or admitted
Ward staff are happy to advise on visiting times, safety requirements, and whether any temporary restrictions are in place.
Accessing the Most Up-to-Date Info
While this guide is updated regularly, the hospital’s official website remains the most accurate source for real-time visiting information. You can visit the official visiting times page at: www.kgh.nhs.uk/visiting-times-and-telephone-numbers.
It’s also worth checking their news section for any updates on visitor rules or temporary suspensions.
Conclusion
Kettering General Hospital visiting times generally run from 2pm to 8pm daily across most adult inpatient wards, with two visitors allowed per patient at a time.
However, as this guide has detailed, certain wards including ICU, maternity, and paediatrics have special visiting schedules and rules to protect patient wellbeing and care routines.
If you’re planning a hospital visit, it’s crucial to check the specific ward’s hours, confirm any recent restrictions, and follow the hospital’s policies on infection control, children visiting, and permitted items.
Kettering General strives to make visits as accessible and safe as possible. Whether you’re supporting a family member through surgery, childbirth, recovery, or long-term treatment, understanding the visiting framework ensures a smoother, more respectful experience.
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