Leicester General Hospital visiting times typically run from 11 am to 8 pm for adult wards, allowing up to two visitors per patient. Specific times may vary depending on the ward especially for maternity, ICU, and neonatal units so it’s vital to check in advance.
Planning to visit a loved one at Leicester General Hospital? Whether you’re a family member, carer, or support visitor, knowing the correct visiting hours and hospital rules can make your experience smoother and more respectful for everyone involved.
This guide provides up-to-date details on standard and ward-specific visiting times, hospital safety policies, and who to contact for the latest updates.
Based on NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) data, this article ensures you have accurate and trusted information for your hospital visit whether it’s your first time or a return trip.
Leicester General Hospital Visiting Times
The standard visiting times at Leicester General Hospital are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. These hours apply to most adult inpatient wards, providing flexibility for family and friends to visit without overwhelming the ward environment.
Visitors are typically limited to two people at a time per patient, which helps maintain patient privacy and reduces noise levels.
While visits are welcome throughout the day, hospital staff encourage visitors to avoid protected mealtimes, which usually fall between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm on many adult wards. During these times, visits may be paused to allow patients to eat undisturbed and receive necessary assistance.
It’s also important to note that visiting hours may be adjusted temporarily in response to health emergencies, such as infection control alerts or seasonal outbreaks. If in doubt, visitors are encouraged to call the hospital switchboard or check directly with the relevant ward before attending.
ICU and High Dependency Units
Visiting patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Leicester General Hospital is more restricted due to the critical nature of care. Access is usually allowed during two key periods: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, but visits must be pre-arranged with the ward team.
A maximum of two visitors per bedside is enforced to ensure the safety, privacy, and comfort of all patients. The hospital encourages close family members to communicate with nursing staff before arriving, particularly if the patient’s condition is sensitive or if additional support is needed.
Given the specialised care environment, ICU visits may also involve infection control protocols, including wearing masks or gowns. For patients in isolation or recovering from invasive procedures, visits may be shortened or staggered to minimise risk.
For the most accurate arrangements, families are advised to contact the unit directly through the hospital switchboard and speak with the nurse-in-charge.
Maternity Ward
Visiting times for Ward 30, the maternity ward at Leicester General Hospital, are more flexible to accommodate the needs of new mothers and their families.
A named birth partner is welcome to stay from 9:00 am until midnight, providing continuous support throughout the antenatal and postnatal period.
In some cases, the birth partner may also be allowed to stay overnight, although this is subject to ward agreement and availability of reclining chairs (no beds or bedding provided).
Additional visitors, including a second partner and siblings, are permitted between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm. Outside of these core hours, two other visitors may attend during the designated visiting slots of 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. However, no more than three people are allowed at the bedside at any one time (excluding siblings).
For women recovering from caesarean sections or undergoing enhanced recovery care, only one birth partner is allowed for the first few hours post-operation. This ensures that medical care remains focused and uninterrupted during the most delicate recovery phases.
Staff aim to support families while maintaining a restful and private environment for all mothers. Visitors are encouraged to be considerate, keep noise to a minimum, and limit the use of mobile devices.
Neonatal Unit
The Neonatal Unit at Leicester General Hospital is designed to provide specialised care for newborns who require additional medical attention after birth. Visiting policies here are understandably more sensitive, prioritising both infection control and the emotional well-being of families.
Parents have unrestricted access and can visit their baby at any time. In addition to the parents, up to four named visitors are allowed, with visiting hours for them set between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm. However, only two visitors are permitted at the bedside at one time, and these must always be accompanied by one of the baby’s parents.
Exceptions can be made for siblings and grandparents under certain conditions, but this is at the discretion of the ward. Visitors must adhere strictly to hygiene protocols, including frequent hand washing and sometimes the use of gowns or masks, to protect vulnerable infants.
To avoid disappointment or delay, parents are encouraged to speak directly with the neonatal team if they are unsure about visitor eligibility or wish to make special arrangements.
Special Circumstances and Exemptions
While Leicester General Hospital has standard visiting hours, there are exceptions in place for special circumstances, particularly when compassionate or clinical needs arise. These exceptions allow the hospital to maintain a person-centred approach while safeguarding patients’ health and privacy.
End-of-Life and Palliative Care
For patients receiving end-of-life care, visiting is typically allowed outside of normal hours, including overnight stays if appropriate. Close family members are encouraged to speak with ward staff to arrange flexible access and emotional support.
Carers and Named Support Visitors
Patients with cognitive impairments, communication difficulties, or mental health conditions may be supported by a named carer or advocate. These visitors are often granted extended or unrestricted access, particularly if they are part of the patient’s care plan or support network.
Mental Health and Community Wards
In units managed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (such as community hospitals or adult mental health wards), visiting hours usually run from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, with potential extensions to 8:00 pm depending on the setting. Visits are often more flexible and built around the individual’s care and recovery goals.
Emergency Department and Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)
In the Emergency Department (ED) and CDU, visiting is more restricted. Usually, only one visitor is allowed per adult patient, though children and vulnerable individuals may be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In many cases, visitors may need to wait until a patient is moved to a ward before being allowed to enter.
Where appropriate, exceptions can always be made by consulting with the nurse-in-charge or the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team.
Safety Policies and NHS Visiting Rules
Leicester General Hospital adheres to NHS-wide protocols designed to keep patients, visitors, and staff safe. While visiting is encouraged, all visitors must follow essential safety guidelines, especially during seasonal health pressures or local outbreaks.
Infection Control Measures
If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, or fever you must delay your visit.
Patients on certain wards may be vulnerable to infections, and visiting is not permitted during the first 48 hours after a contagious illness. In high-risk areas like ICU or neonatal wards, additional measures such as wearing face masks, gloves, or gowns may be required.
Seasonal Restrictions
During periods of increased respiratory illness, such as the winter “quad-demic” (flu, RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus), visiting may be temporarily suspended on some wards. The hospital takes guidance from local NHS and Public Health England updates to manage these decisions. When in doubt, call ahead before visiting.
Protected Mealtimes
Many wards at Leicester General Hospital observe protected mealtimes, often between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. During this time, visitors are asked to leave to ensure patients can eat without interruption. Exceptions can be made for carers assisting patients who need help with eating.
Mobile Phones, Photography & Conduct
Visitors should keep mobile phones on silent, avoid taking photographs or videos, and maintain a calm, respectful environment. Loud conversations or large visiting groups may result in requests to limit visit durations or reduce numbers.
By following these rules, visitors can help create a safe, dignified space for patients and healthcare staff alike.
Contact Details and Hospital Access
Before visiting Leicester General Hospital, it’s wise to confirm ward-specific information, particularly if the patient is in a specialist unit or if visiting guidance has changed recently.
Hospital Address
- Leicester General Hospital Gwendolen Road, Leicester, LE5 4PW
Switchboard Contact
- 0300 303 1573
This number connects to all wards and services within the hospital. Ask for the specific ward or department you are visiting.
PALS
- 0116 295 0830
The PALS team can help resolve visiting concerns, support special access requests, and clarify current NHS guidance on patient support.
Parking and Access
There is public parking on site, including designated Blue Badge spaces. Leicester General Hospital is also accessible by public transport, with bus routes serving Gwendolen Road regularly. If you’re unfamiliar with the site layout, consider arriving early or checking the hospital’s official website for a detailed map.
Checking Visiting Status
For real-time updates on visiting status, it’s best to visit the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust website, where ward-specific information and temporary restrictions are posted regularly.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours at Leicester General Hospital?
Standard visiting hours for adult wards are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. Some specialist wards, like ICU or maternity, have adjusted hours and visitor rules, so it’s important to check with the specific ward before your visit.
Can children visit patients at Leicester General Hospital?
Yes, but this depends on the ward. On the maternity ward, siblings are allowed to visit between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm. In general adult wards, children may visit at the discretion of the ward staff and must be supervised at all times. Neonatal and critical care units may have stricter rules due to infection risks.
How do I visit someone in the ICU or High Dependency Unit?
ICU and HDU visits must be pre-arranged with the ward, typically during two time windows: 1:00 pm–3:30 pm and 5:00 pm–7:00 pm. Only two visitors are allowed at a time. Contact the unit via the hospital switchboard to confirm visiting arrangements before attending.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at Leicester General Hospital is a meaningful way to offer support, and knowing the correct visiting times can ensure your visit goes smoothly. For most adult wards, standard visiting hours are 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, but many specialist units such as maternity, ICU, and neonatal care have their own specific guidelines.
Always check in advance with the relevant ward, especially if you plan to visit outside standard hours or during periods of increased health precautions. Respecting hospital rules and patient privacy helps maintain a safe, calm environment for everyone.
If you’re planning more hospital visits across Leicester or the wider East Midlands, we recommend exploring our other hospital guides for accurate, trusted visiting information. Whether you’re supporting a friend or acting as a carer, staying informed helps make every visit count.
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