Luton and Dunstable Hospital visiting times are currently set from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily for most adult wards. These hours apply to general visitors, while specialist units such as maternity, children’s wards, and ICU have their own tailored rules.
Planning a hospital visit can be stressful especially when you’re unsure about the right time to go or whether you’ll be allowed entry.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one recovering on the ward or attending a maternity unit, knowing the exact schedule and current visitor policy helps avoid confusion and disappointment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Luton and Dunstable University Hospital: from standard ward access to maternity and intensive care rules. We’ll also walk you through current COVID-related precautions, parking options, and what to expect on arrival.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding the standard visiting hours is essential for planning your visit effectively. Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, part of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, currently welcomes visitors to most adult wards between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily.
These times are consistent across general inpatient wards, ensuring family and friends have ample opportunity to provide comfort and companionship.
How Many Visitors Are Allowed?
Each patient may receive up to two visitors at a time, although this can be flexible depending on the ward and staff discretion.
Visitors do not need to pre-book a time slot under current policies, making the system more accessible. However, in high-demand wards or during infection outbreaks, temporary restrictions may apply.
Key Things to Know Before You Visit:
- Arrive during the core visiting hours only.
- Always check with the ward beforehand if you’re unsure about specific rules.
- Visitors showing symptoms of illness (like cold or flu) are asked to postpone their visit to protect patients and staff.
Maintaining safe and respectful visitation ensures all patients get the support they need without overcrowding or health risks. Whether you’re planning a short drop-in or a longer visit, these core hours offer a reliable framework to work around.
Maternity and Neonatal Visiting Rules
Maternity visiting times at Luton and Dunstable Hospital are designed to support both emotional wellbeing and clinical safety for new mothers and babies.
As of the latest guidance, visiting hours for maternity and neonatal units are from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily, aligning with general ward hours.
Birth Partner Access and Overnight Stay
One designated birth partner is permitted to remain with the mother overnight, both during labour and on the postnatal ward.
This continuous access allows for emotional reassurance and practical support throughout the maternity journey. Birth partners are not restricted to general visiting times.
Visiting Rules for Other Family Members
- Parents and guardians of neonatal patients (including in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) are granted extended access and are encouraged to participate in care routines where possible.
- A maximum of two parents/guardians per baby are allowed in neonatal areas. Other visitors, including siblings, may have restricted access and need staff permission.
- No general children visitors are allowed unless approved by the ward team.
To ensure a calm, infection-controlled environment, maternity wards may limit the number of people in a room at any one time, especially during busy periods or health alerts.
Always consult your midwife or ward manager for the most accurate and timely visiting permissions.
Children’s Ward and Paediatric Visiting Times
Visiting a child in hospital is especially important for their emotional reassurance and recovery. At Luton and Dunstable Hospital, visiting policies for children’s wards are designed to be family-friendly while maintaining safety and structure.
Who Can Visit a Child Patient?
Each child on a paediatric ward may have up to two named carers, typically parents or guardians, who are allowed to be present at any time during the day. One parent or carer is also permitted to stay overnight, offering continuity and comfort, particularly during longer admissions or procedures.
Siblings and Young Visitors
- Siblings under 8 years old are not automatically allowed to visit and require prior approval from the ward team.
- Visiting with extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles) is usually possible within general hours but may be limited depending on ward capacity or infection control measures.
The hospital takes a compassionate approach, aiming to keep children closely connected to their families. Still, carers are reminded to:
- Stay home if feeling unwell.
- Keep visits calm and short to avoid overstimulating young patients.
- Always check with staff before bringing other children or planning visits outside normal hours.
This patient-centred approach ensures each child receives tailored care with the presence of loved ones, balanced by a safe and controlled hospital environment.
ICU, High Dependency, and Special Care Visits
Visiting times for critical care areas such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Units (HDU) at Luton and Dunstable Hospital do not follow the standard schedule. These wards operate under more stringent and flexible arrangements due to the complex and sensitive nature of care delivered there.
How to Visit a Patient in ICU or HDU
There are no fixed visiting hours for ICU and similar units. Instead, visitors must arrange access directly with the ward team. Staff typically encourage visits from close family only, and the timing may depend on the patient’s condition, clinical activity, or infection protocols.
Key guidelines include:
- One or two visitors at a time, often close family members.
- PPE or face coverings may be required depending on ward-level risk assessments.
- Entry is sometimes staggered or time-limited to reduce disruption to care routines.
Special Considerations
- During end-of-life care, exceptions are made to allow more frequent or extended visits.
- Patients with cognitive impairments or communication needs may also receive more tailored visiting arrangements, including carer presence.
Because these units prioritise stability and minimal disruption, always contact the unit before attempting a visit. Nurses and ward managers can provide timely advice and facilitate visits when appropriate.
Outpatients and Day Surgery Visitors
While the focus is often on inpatient visiting times, it’s equally important to understand the rules around outpatient departments and day surgery units at Luton and Dunstable Hospital. These areas have different protocols, designed to balance support for patients with the need to minimise crowding.
Can I Accompany Someone to an Outpatient Appointment?
Yes, patients attending outpatient clinics, scans, or consultations are generally allowed to bring one accompanying person. This is particularly helpful for those who need physical assistance, have language barriers, or would benefit from emotional support during appointments.
However, the hospital strongly encourages single attendance where possible to reduce waiting room congestion. If you are unsure whether you can accompany someone, check with the relevant department beforehand.
Day Surgery and Short-Stay Units
- Visitors are usually not permitted to stay during surgical procedures.
- One person may accompany the patient to check-in and collect them post-procedure.
- For children or those requiring special support, additional flexibility may be offered.
Visitors should arrive close to appointment times to avoid overcrowding, and anyone feeling unwell is urged to stay home. These common-sense policies help streamline services while ensuring safety for staff and patients alike.
Visiting Restrictions & Exceptions
Although the core visiting hours at Luton and Dunstable Hospital are consistent, there are certain situations where access may be restricted or altered especially during periods of increased infection risk or exceptional patient circumstances.
COVID-19 and Infection Control Measures
As of now, there are no blanket mask mandates across the hospital. However, visitors may still be asked to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) in high-risk areas or during localised outbreaks. These measures are reviewed regularly based on NHS England and Trust-wide guidance.
If visiting a vulnerable patient or entering wards such as ICU or oncology, masks and sanitisation may still be required. Signs will indicate if PPE is expected, and staff are available to advise.
Exceptions for Compassionate Visits
Certain patients qualify for special visiting arrangements outside of standard hours:
- End-of-life care patients
- Those with learning disabilities, dementia, or mental health needs
- Patients undergoing distressing treatments or procedures
These exceptions are granted at the discretion of the clinical team, and family members are advised to contact the ward in advance to discuss specific needs.
Temporary Restrictions
During flu season or if a ward experiences a norovirus or COVID outbreak, visitor access may be temporarily paused or reduced. Always check the hospital website or call ahead before travelling, particularly during winter or health alerts.
Being aware of these exceptions and rules ensures visitors can respond flexibly and respectfully to hospital protocols while still offering crucial support to loved ones.
Directions, Parking, and Entrance Rules
Getting to Luton and Dunstable Hospital and knowing where to go upon arrival is essential for a smooth and timely visit. The hospital is well-connected and accessible by road and public transport, with clear signage and visitor amenities on-site.
How to Get There
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is located on Lewsey Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 0DZ.
- By car: Easily reached via the M1 (junction 11), with the hospital located just a few minutes from the motorway.
- By public transport: Several local bus services stop directly outside the main entrance. The nearest railway station is Leagrave, around 2 miles away, with taxis and buses available to complete the journey.
Parking Information
There is onsite paid parking available for visitors:
- Multiple public car parks on hospital grounds.
- Charges vary depending on duration typically hourly rates apply.
- Concessionary parking may be available for long-term visitors, carers, and certain patient groups. Check with the PALS office or hospital website for up-to-date details.
All visitors are advised to allow extra time for parking, especially during peak hours (late morning to early evening).
Main Entrances and Ward Access
On arrival:
- Enter through the main reception for adult wards and outpatients.
- Specific entrances (e.g. maternity or children’s unit) may have separate doors with signposted directions.
- Use hand sanitiser stations and follow signage for safe movement throughout the hospital.
Visitors are reminded to report to reception or the relevant ward desk, especially if it’s their first visit or during restricted periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay overnight at Luton and Dunstable Hospital?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted for specific roles, such as one designated birth partner in the maternity ward or one parent/carer in children’s wards. However, general adult ward visitors are not allowed to stay overnight unless approved under special circumstances (e.g. end-of-life care). Always check with ward staff for arrangements.
Are children allowed to visit patients at L&D Hospital?
Children under 8 years old are generally not permitted to visit without prior agreement from the ward team. Older children may visit during standard hours, especially in family areas such as maternity or paediatrics, but supervision and staff approval are usually required.
Do I need to wear a mask when visiting the hospital?
Currently, there is no universal mask requirement across Luton and Dunstable Hospital. However, masks or PPE may be required in specific clinical areas (like ICU) or during outbreaks of COVID-19 or other infections. Always follow signs and staff instructions on PPE.
Conclusion
Understanding the current Luton and Dunstable Hospital visiting times can help you plan your visit smoothly and ensure you support your loved one without stress or delay.
With general visiting from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, dedicated provisions for maternity and children’s care, and flexible arrangements for critical care or compassionate cases, the hospital prioritises both access and patient safety.
Before visiting, it’s always wise to check with the specific ward, particularly during periods of illness or changing guidelines. Bring a face covering just in case, and arrive with plenty of time to park and find the right entrance.
Need visiting details for another hospital? Browse our full list of NHS hospital visiting times or read about maternity visiting rules across the UK. Found this guide helpful? Share it, or leave a comment with your experience to help others planning a visit.
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