Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital Visiting Times 2025

Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital visiting times typically run from 8 am to 8 pm for most wards, though some departments like ICU or critical care have restricted hours between 3 pm and 8 pm. Always check with the specific ward before visiting.

Planning a hospital visit can be stressful especially if you’re unsure about when you’re allowed to see a loved one.

Whether it’s a routine visit or a more sensitive situation like critical care or end-of-life, knowing the correct visiting hours is vital. Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, serves thousands each year and has clear policies to ensure visits are safe, respectful, and timely.

In this article, we provide a complete, ward-by-ward breakdown of visiting times, guidance on NHS rules, and how to contact MRI for updates everything you need to make your visit smooth and supportive.

Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital Visiting Times

Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) offers set visiting hours across its wards to support patient rest, safety, and infection control.

While the general hospital policy encourages visits between 8 am and 8 pm, actual times vary depending on the ward type, patient needs, and NHS Trust updates. Always verify with the individual ward before attending.

Below is a breakdown of standard visiting periods by department.

Standard Inpatient Ward Times

Most inpatient wards at MRI including general medicine, surgery, and rehabilitation allow visitors from 08:00 to 20:00, seven days a week. These extended hours are designed to help families support their loved ones while respecting hospital routines.

Important note: Many wards enforce protected mealtimes, typically:

  • 08:00–09:00 (breakfast)
  • 12:00–13:30 (lunch)
  • 17:00–18:30 (dinner)

During these periods, staff may ask visitors to leave the ward to ensure patients eat undisturbed and receive necessary clinical attention.

To avoid disappointment, it’s always best to call ahead or confirm with the specific department especially if your loved one has recently been moved or admitted.

Visiting Hours for Acute Medical Unit

The Acute Medical Unit (AMU), covering Wards 18 and 19, follows the hospital-wide policy of visits between 8 am and 8 pm. However, it strongly observes protected meal hours, during which visitors are asked to leave.

  • Morning break: 08:00–09:00
  • Midday: 12:00–13:30
  • Evening: 17:00–18:30

Given the fast-paced nature of AMU, staff may limit visitor numbers or duration depending on clinical needs. Shorter visits are often encouraged, particularly during times of high patient turnover or emergency care delivery.

Critical Care (ICU & HDU) Visiting Policies

Critical care units including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) have more structured visiting hours to protect patients’ recovery and manage infection risk.

Visiting is allowed from 15:00 to 20:00 daily, but only under staff discretion. It’s advisable to phone the unit in advance to check on patient status and arrange your visit.

In these high-dependency areas, only 1–2 visitors per patient are permitted at a time. Face coverings and hand hygiene may be mandatory. If you’re visiting someone in critical condition, more flexible arrangements might be offered based on consultation with medical staff.

Visitor Guidelines and NHS Protocols

Manchester Royal Infirmary follows NHS England’s patient-first philosophy, which means visiting must always be balanced with infection control, privacy, and treatment schedules. The Trust encourages visits that support recovery but places clear expectations on all visitors.

Here’s what you need to know before arriving:

Number of Visitors Allowed per Patient

Most adult wards at MRI allow up to two visitors per patient at any given time. Larger groups may need to rotate in and out during the visit. In paediatrics, parents or guardians are usually permitted to stay with the child for extended periods.

In sensitive areas like ICU, HDU, or oncology wards, stricter rules may apply, and visits are often arranged on a case-by-case basis. During high-alert periods (e.g. flu season or COVID surges), numbers may be reduced or visiting suspended.

Mask, Hygiene, and Infection Control Rules

Manchester Royal Infirmary places high priority on hygiene to protect vulnerable patients. Visitors must:

  • Use hand sanitiser when entering and exiting wards.
  • Wear face masks in high-risk areas (as directed).
  • Avoid visiting if you have symptoms of illness (e.g. cough, diarrhoea, fever).
  • Follow staff instructions at all times regarding PPE or distancing.

Some wards may also request that you do not sit on patient beds or bring food or flowers. Always check with the nurse-in-charge if you are unsure.

Meal Time Restrictions & Protected Hours

To support nutrition and dignity in care, Manchester Royal Infirmary enforces protected mealtimes, during which visits are paused:

  • Breakfast: 08:00–09:00
  • Lunch: 12:00–13:30
  • Dinner: 17:00–18:30

These protected periods help staff focus on feeding, administering medications, and caring without interruption. In certain cases, visitors may be allowed to stay if they assist with eating subject to nurse approval.

Special Circumstances & Exceptions

While most visiting follows the hospital’s standard hours, Manchester Royal Infirmary recognises that some patients require extra flexibility especially in maternity, paediatrics, end-of-life care, or long-stay cases. Here’s how policies adapt in these situations:

Maternity, End-of-Life, and Paediatrics

Maternity Wards:

  • Birth partners are usually allowed 24-hour access during labour and postnatal recovery.
  • Additional visitors, such as family or siblings, may be restricted to specific hours often between 14:00 and 16:00 or 18:00 to 20:00, depending on ward.

End-of-Life Care:

  • The hospital makes individual arrangements to ensure loved ones can spend meaningful time with the patient.
  • This may include extended or overnight visits, with coordination from the ward manager or palliative care team.

Paediatric Units:

  • One parent or guardian can stay with the child at all times.
  • A second parent or carer may usually visit during daytime hours.
  • Visiting for siblings or others is subject to current NHS guidelines and infection control status.

Arranging Visits Outside Normal Hours

If you need to visit outside of normal hours, you should:

  1. Call the ward in advance and explain your circumstances.
  2. Ask to speak with the nurse in charge or ward manager.
  3. Be prepared to show ID and follow special check-in procedures at reception.

Exceptions are typically granted for:

  • Travellers from long distances
  • Work-related restrictions
  • Emergency or emotional support visits
  • End-of-life and palliative care cases

If approved, security staff may issue a visitor badge or escort you directly to the ward.

Contact Information & Ward Directory

To ensure you’re visiting at the right time and location, always check with the ward before travelling. Manchester Royal Infirmary has several departments across different buildings, so having direct contact details is essential.

MRI Switchboard and Ward Phone Numbers

For general queries or to be connected to a ward, contact the main hospital switchboard:

  • Manchester Royal Infirmary Switchboard: 0161 276 1234 Open 24/7

You can request to be transferred to:

  • Specific wards (e.g. Ward 18 – Acute Medical Unit)
  • Specialist units (ICU, HDU, Maternity, Paediatrics)
  • Bereavement services or chaplaincy

Tip: When calling, have the patient’s full name and date of birth ready for faster service.

Directions, Parking & Hospital Map Links

Address: Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road Manchester, M13 9WL United Kingdom

Getting There:

  • Located on Oxford Road, near Manchester University campus
  • Easily accessible via Metrolink, local buses, or on foot from Manchester Piccadilly

Car Parking:

  • Patient & visitor car park at Grafton Street
  • Charges apply: pay on exit
  • Disabled bays available

Hospital Map & Access Info:

  • View interactive site map
  • MRI Access Guides by AccessAble

For the most accurate directions and parking updates, check MRI’s official travel advice before your visit.

Conclusion

Understanding the Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital visiting times is essential for making your visit smooth, respectful, and timely.

While most general wards welcome visitors between 8 am and 8 pm, areas like critical care and maternity have more specific rules in place to safeguard patient wellbeing and clinical procedures.

Always confirm with the ward directly before setting off, especially if you’re visiting for the first time, or during public health alerts when policies may change rapidly.

Respecting protected mealtimes, infection control protocols, and visitor limits ensures that your presence truly benefits your loved one’s care.

If you found this guide useful, why not check our other visiting times for hospitals across Greater Manchester or bookmark this page for future reference? Share with friends and family planning a visit to MRI it could save them time and uncertainty.

Share this article to keep others informed!

Leave a Comment