Lewisham Hospital visiting times generally run from 3 pm to 8 pm for most adult inpatient wards, with specific hours and rules for critical care, maternity, and mental health units.
Planning to visit a loved one at University Hospital Lewisham? Whether you’re heading to the maternity ward, intensive care, or just stopping by for a brief visit, knowing the correct visiting times and the rules that go with them can make all the difference.
This guide outlines all the current visiting hours, ward-specific guidelines, and any restrictions you should be aware of, including infection control measures and policies on children.
Stay informed with this clear, up-to-date summary designed to help you plan your hospital visit with confidence and respect for patients’ wellbeing.
Lewisham Hospital Visiting Times
The standard Lewisham Hospital visiting times for adult inpatient wards are from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, seven days a week.
Each patient is generally permitted up to two visitors at a time, and these visits should take place within the designated hours unless specific permission has been granted by the ward staff.
Hospital staff strongly encourage visitors to maintain a calm and quiet environment to support patient recovery. It’s important to avoid sitting on patients’ beds and to use the chairs provided.
Children under the age of 12 are generally discouraged from visiting unless previously agreed with the ward manager, especially if they are not siblings of the patient.
If a patient is receiving end-of-life care or requires additional emotional support, ward managers may approve flexible or extended visiting. Visitors are advised to contact the ward in advance to confirm any such arrangements and to minimise disruption to clinical routines.
ICU & High Dependency Unit (HDU)
Visiting times for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Lewisham Hospital differ from standard ward timings due to the nature of care provided.
Visits are permitted from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, and again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These hours are carefully structured to allow for patient rest, clinical interventions, and staff handovers.
Only two visitors are allowed at the bedside at any one time. Visits may be shortened at the discretion of clinical staff, especially if the patient’s condition is critical or if medical procedures are ongoing.
All visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as aprons and masks, especially if advised during infection outbreaks.
To protect the privacy and recovery of all patients, visitors should be mindful of noise levels and refrain from bringing food or flowers unless explicitly allowed. Children under 12 are not routinely permitted in ICU settings, unless under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval.
Maternity Ward Visiting Times
Visiting policies on the maternity ward at Lewisham Hospital are structured to balance the needs of new mothers, babies, and their families while maintaining a restful environment. The Labour and Delivery Suite allows 24-hour access for one designated birth partner, ensuring continuous support during and after childbirth.
Once transferred to the postnatal ward, visiting is more restricted. One named visitor is permitted during the day, and one person may stay overnight, depending on bed space and ward activity. This is to ensure mothers get adequate rest and support in a quieter setting.
Sibling visits are allowed between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, but they must be closely supervised by a parent or guardian and should not disrupt ward routines. Friends and extended family members should plan visits during daytime hours only and limit group size to minimise crowding.
It’s advised that all maternity visitors practise hand hygiene upon entry and avoid visiting if they have symptoms of illness such as coughs, colds, or stomach upsets, to protect vulnerable newborns.
Children’s Wards and Neonatal Units
Lewisham Hospital maintains an open and compassionate visiting policy for parents and guardians of children admitted to the paediatric and neonatal units. On the children’s wards, parents or primary carers are allowed to visit at any time, with flexible access designed to support emotional wellbeing and continuity of care.
In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), parents have 24-hour unrestricted access to their baby.
The hospital acknowledges the critical role of parental presence in early bonding and infant development, particularly in preterm or unwell newborns. However, only parents and legal guardians are typically allowed in these specialised areas other family members must seek prior approval from the nursing team.
Visitors to these wards are asked to adhere to strict infection prevention protocols, including frequent hand washing and, where required, the use of gowns and masks.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of illness, including respiratory infections or stomach bugs, should delay their visit to safeguard vulnerable young patients.
A&E and Acute Assessment Unit (AAU)
Visiting policies in Accident & Emergency (A&E) and the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at Lewisham Hospital are necessarily more fluid due to the unpredictable nature of emergency care.
In the A&E department, adult patients may be accompanied by one visitor, particularly if they require communication or mobility support. For paediatric patients, up to two carers may attend, although this may be reduced during peak times to manage space and safety.
The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) allows visits between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm. As a transitional area for patients who require further tests or monitoring before ward admission or discharge, the AAU adheres to the standard two-visitor policy to maintain flow and privacy.
Due to the high footfall in these areas, visitors should be prepared for delays and limited seating. Hospital staff may ask visitors to step out during clinical assessments or emergencies. As always, hand hygiene and symptom screening remain essential before entering the unit.
Mental Health (Ladywell Unit)
The Ladywell Unit at Lewisham Hospital provides inpatient mental health care and has specific visiting hours to support therapeutic routines and patient safety. The two primary wards Wharton Ward (women’s acute psychiatric) and Powell Ward (men’s acute psychiatric) share similar schedules.
Visiting is allowed daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. These set times are intended to ensure that patients can fully participate in therapy, group sessions, and rest periods without disruption. Visitors are encouraged to arrive punctually and respect ward boundaries.
Children may be permitted to visit mental health wards only with prior agreement from the nurse in charge and must be supervised at all times. Special arrangements can be made for visits outside the standard hours on compassionate or clinical grounds, subject to the approval of the care team.
Visitors are advised not to bring items such as sharp objects, glass containers, or any prohibited substances. All bags may be checked, and mobile phone use is typically restricted to maintain a calm and safe therapeutic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children visit Lewisham Hospital wards?
Children are generally permitted to visit certain wards at Lewisham Hospital, but this depends on the area and their relationship to the patient. In most adult inpatient wards, visits by children under 12 must be agreed in advance with the ward manager.
On maternity wards, siblings may visit during designated hours (4:00 pm–7:00 pm) if supervised. In mental health wards, visits by children require prior approval and strict supervision.
What are the ICU visiting times at Lewisham Hospital?
Visiting hours for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lewisham Hospital are from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Only two visitors are allowed at a time, and visits may be shortened based on the patient’s condition. PPE such as aprons and masks may be required.
Are visiting hours different for mental health wards?
Yes, visiting times at the Ladywell Unit (Lewisham’s mental health facility) differ from general wards. The typical visiting slots are 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm daily. Visits outside these hours may be arranged with the nursing team on a case-by-case basis, especially for families or carers supporting recovery.
Conclusion
Knowing the Lewisham Hospital visiting times in advance ensures your visit goes smoothly and supports your loved one’s recovery.
Whether you’re heading to the ICU, maternity ward, or the Ladywell Unit, each area has specific hours and guidance to follow. Always check with the ward directly if you’re unsure or need to arrange a special visit.
Be respectful of hospital policies, especially around infection control and visitor limits. Staying informed helps protect both patients and staff, ensuring a safe, supportive environment for all.
Try visiting outside peak times (like early afternoon) to avoid busy periods and help reduce stress on patients and staff alike.
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