Medway Hospital Visiting Times – Hours & Rules 2025

Medway Hospital visiting times are essential for anyone planning to see a loved one, but are you aware of the latest policies and restrictions?

Visiting hours are designed to ensure patients receive the care they need while allowing family and friends to provide crucial emotional support.

Without knowing the correct schedule, visitors may face unexpected delays or even be turned away at the entrance.

Understanding Medway Hospital visiting times helps make visits more convenient, ensuring a smoother experience for both patients and their families.

Medway Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding Medway Hospital visiting times is crucial for anyone planning to see a loved one. The hospital has designated visiting hours to balance patient recovery with the need for social support.

Ensuring that visits occur at the right time helps maintain a calm and structured hospital environment while allowing family and friends to provide emotional support to patients.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Most general wards at Medway Hospital have a standard visiting time from 1 pm to 8 pm daily. However, to enhance flexibility for visitors, there is an ongoing discussion about extending visiting hours from 8 am to 8 pm.

General Guidelines for Patient Visitation:

• Visitors are allowed at the bedside for most general wards within the designated hours.
• A maximum of two visitors per patient at a time ensures a comfortable and controlled environment.
• Children visitors are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult and should not disturb other patients.
• Protected meal times (12 pm – 1 pm and 5 pm – 6 pm) allow patients to eat undisturbed. Visitors should avoid these times unless assisting a relative with their meal.

Anyone planning to visit should check for temporary restrictions, which may be in place during flu seasons, high infection rates, or other health concerns. Always refer to the hospital’s latest guidelines before visiting.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

Some hospital wards at Medway Hospital have different visiting times due to the specialised care they provide. Here’s what to expect for key wards:

Maternity Ward Visiting Hours

• Birth partners are allowed 24/7 for continuous support.
• General visitors are welcome from 8 am to 8 pm, with a maximum of two visitors at a time.
• Siblings of newborns can visit from 2 pm to 6 pm, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

The hospital prioritises privacy and rest for new mothers and their babies, so visiting times must be followed strictly.

Children’s Ward Visiting Hours

• Parents or carers can stay with their child at all times.
• Family members can visit between 1 pm and 6 pm.
• A maximum of two visitors per child is allowed to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

For parents who wish to stay overnight, the hospital provides designated resting areas.

ICU Visiting Hours

• Due to the critical condition of patients, visiting times in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are limited and strictly monitored.
• Visitors must check with the ward before arrival. The usual ICU visiting hours are 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, but exceptions can be made for close family members.
• Quiet hours from 2:30 pm to 4 pm allow patients to rest with minimal disturbances.

ICU visits should be pre-arranged whenever possible to ensure smooth coordination with medical staff.

Evening and Emergency Visits

While most Medway Hospital visiting times follow a structured schedule, special circumstances may require out-of-hours visits.

Evening Visits

• Some wards may allow extended evening visits beyond 8 pm, particularly for palliative care patients.
• Special permissions are granted at the discretion of ward managers, usually for end-of-life visits or patients requiring additional family support.

Emergency Visits

• In urgent cases, families may be granted special access outside of standard visiting times.
• If an emergency occurs, relatives should contact the hospital ward directly to request permission for an immediate visit.
• Special considerations are made for patients undergoing critical treatments or experiencing a rapid decline in health.

If an emergency visit is required, families should communicate with the hospital staff to arrange the most appropriate time while respecting the needs of other patients.

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Hospital Visitor Policies at Medway

To ensure a safe and structured environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff, Medway Hospital has set clear hospital visitor rules in line with patient safety guidelines and NHS protocols.

These policies help regulate visitor access, maintain hygiene standards, and create a comfortable space for patient recovery.

General Hospital Visitor Rules

All visitors are expected to follow these standard hospital policies:

• Maximum Number of Visitors: Only two visitors per patient are allowed at a time in most wards to prevent overcrowding.
• Children as Visitors: Children are welcome but must always be accompanied by an adult. Certain wards may have age restrictions for younger visitors.
• Visitor Registration: Some high-dependency wards may require visitors to check in at reception before entering.
• No Smoking Policy: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on hospital grounds to ensure a healthy environment.

Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of noise levels, as excessive disturbance can affect patient recovery.

Patient Safety Guidelines for Visitors

To maintain the highest patient safety standards, all visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Hand Hygiene: Use hand sanitiser upon entering and leaving the hospital and wash hands regularly to reduce the spread of infections.
• Face Masks and PPE: In certain wards, such as ICU or oncology units, visitors may be required to wear face masks or personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Stay Home if Unwell: Visitors should avoid coming to the hospital if they have cold or flu symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting, or COVID-19 symptoms.
• Food and Drink Restrictions: Bringing outside food is not allowed in certain areas, especially in high-risk wards.

Medway Hospital may introduce temporary restrictions on visitor access during flu season or public health emergencies, so it is always best to check the latest guidelines before visiting.

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Directions and Parking at Medway Hospital

Visitors planning a trip to Medway Hospital should be aware of the available transport services and hospital visitor parking options. The hospital is well-connected by public transport, with several options for those travelling by car, bus, or train.

How to Get to Medway Hospital

Medway Hospital is located at Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5NY. It is easily accessible by various modes of transport:

• By Car:
  • If travelling via the M2 motorway, take Junction 4 and follow signs for Gillingham/Medway Maritime Hospital.
  • For those coming from central Gillingham, the hospital is a 5-minute drive via Woodlands Road.
• By Train:
  • The nearest train station is Gillingham Railway Station, which is approximately a 15-minute walk from the hospital.
  • Regular trains operate from London Victoria, Charing Cross, and St Pancras International.
• By Bus:
  • Several bus routes stop directly outside the hospital, including Arriva routes 101, 116, 182, and 183.
  • The nearest bus stop is located at Windmill Road, just outside the main entrance.

Hospital Visitor Parking

Medway Hospital provides visitor parking on-site, but availability may be limited during peak hours.

• Main Car Park: Located near the main entrance, offering both short-stay and long-stay options.
• Blue Badge Parking: Designated spaces for disabled visitors are available close to all hospital entrances.
• Drop-Off Zones: A 15-minute drop-off area is available for those assisting patients with mobility issues.

Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure parking, especially during busy hours. Alternative public car parks are available in central Gillingham, a short walk from the hospital.

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Contact Information for Medway Hospital

For visitors who need assistance or have visitor enquiries, Medway Hospital provides multiple ways to get in touch. Whether you require hospital contact details for general questions, need directions, or want to check visiting times, the hospital’s communication channels are available to support your needs.

Hospital Contact Details

• Main Switchboard: 01634 830000
• Patient Enquiries: 01634 825000
• Outpatient Appointments: 01634 825027
• Emergency Department (A&E): 01634 830000 (ask for A&E reception)
• Maternity Ward Enquiries: 01634 830000 (ask for Maternity Services)

For specific department numbers, visitors are advised to call the main switchboard and request to be transferred to the relevant ward or service.

Visitor Enquiries and Assistance

If you need assistance during a hospital visit, Medway Hospital offers various services to help visitors:

• Reception Desk: Located at the main entrance, available for directions, lost property, and general queries.
• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): Provides support for patient concerns and visitor assistance. 01634 825004
• Accessibility Services: Support for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and translation services. 01634 825333

Online and Email Contact

For non-urgent enquiries, visitors can contact the hospital through email: [email protected] (for patient-related concerns and general visitor assistance)

The hospital’s official website provides up-to-date visitor guidelines, hospital maps, and department-specific contacts. Visitors are encouraged to check the website for any changes to visiting times or restrictions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Medway Hospital

Many visitors have common questions regarding Medway Hospital visiting times, hospital visitor rules, and patient safety guidelines. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help make your visit as smooth as possible.

1. What are the current Medway Hospital visiting times?

Most general wards at Medway Hospital allow visitors from 1 pm to 8 pm daily. Some wards, such as maternity, ICU, and children’s wards, have different visiting hours. Always check with the hospital directly to confirm specific ward policies.

2. Can I visit outside normal visiting hours in case of an emergency?

Yes, in urgent situations, such as end-of-life care or critically ill patients, Medway Hospital may allow visits outside standard hours. Visitors should contact the ward reception in advance to arrange special access.

3. Are children allowed to visit patients at Medway Hospital?

Yes, children can visit patients in most general wards, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Some specialist areas, like ICU or high-risk wards, may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the hospital before bringing young visitors.

4. Is there parking available for hospital visitors?

Yes, hospital visitor parking is available on-site, with designated spaces for Blue Badge holders. Parking fees range from £2.00 for 1 hour to £10.00 for 24 hours. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport when possible, as parking can be limited during peak hours.

Knowing the Medway Hospital visiting times ensures a smooth and stress-free visit while allowing patients to receive the support they need.

By following the hospital’s guidelines, visitors can help maintain a calm and safe environment for both patients and staff.

For the latest updates on Medway Hospital visiting times, check official sources or contact the hospital directly.

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