Northern General Hospital visiting times are generally flexible, with most wards allowing visitors throughout the day.
However, some specialist units like Critical Care or the Chesterman Wing have fixed hours, and overnight stays must be arranged with the ward staff in advance.
Planning to visit a loved one at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield? Whether you’re unsure of the best time to go, worried about bringing children, or unclear on COVID restrictions, this guide gives you all the up-to-date information you need.
From ward-specific times to visitor rules and hygiene policies, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make your visit safe, respectful, and compliant with NHS guidance.
Northern General Hospital Visiting Times
Northern General Hospital does not enforce fixed visiting times across all wards, offering a more flexible and compassionate approach to patient care. Visitors are generally welcome during daytime hours, typically between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, although this may vary slightly depending on the ward.
Unlike traditional hospital policies that limit visiting to narrow slots, Northern General allows families and carers the opportunity to visit more freely supporting patient wellbeing and recovery.
However, it’s important to understand that this flexibility comes with some structure. No more than two visitors are allowed at the patient’s bedside at one time, and all visits should be respectful of ward routines such as medication rounds, meals, and rest periods.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to contact the ward in advance especially for patients in high-dependency areas or if travelling from a distance. Checking in advance avoids disappointment and ensures you’re not visiting during protected times like handover or quiet hours.
Evening and night-time visits to Northern General Hospital are generally permitted by arrangement only. While the hospital’s day-time policy is relatively open, overnight or late visits fall under “out-of-hours” access and must be cleared with the Nurse in Charge of the ward.
This is especially relevant for carers, those providing emotional support, or individuals visiting loved ones in critical or end-of-life care.
Overnight stays or late-night visits are usually reserved for:
- Patients receiving palliative care
- Individuals with learning disabilities or dementia requiring a familiar support person
- Children or vulnerable patients who need ongoing carer presence
In all cases, you must seek explicit permission before arriving. Security measures are in place across Northern General’s campus, and visitors arriving unannounced outside standard hours may be denied entry.
If you’re unsure, call the relevant ward’s direct line or the hospital switchboard. Staff are usually accommodating when the visit supports a patient’s well-being or clinical need.
Visiting Rules & NHS Policy
How Many Visitors Are Allowed?
At Northern General Hospital, a maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at any one time. This policy ensures patient comfort, reduces disruption during clinical care, and maintains infection control standards.
Unlike hospitals with fixed visiting rosters, Northern General provides flexibility allowing family members and friends to rotate throughout the day, provided the two-person rule is respected.
Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge, particularly in circumstances such as:
- End-of-life care
- Emotional support for patients with dementia or learning difficulties
- Maternity or neonatal care, where both parents may be present
Visitors are expected to remain mindful of their presence, avoiding crowded rooms, prolonged stays, or unnecessary noise.
You may be asked to wait in a designated lounge if another visitor is already at the bedside. Following this respectful approach allows the hospital to maintain a calm and healing environment for all patients.
Are Children Allowed to Visit?
Children under the age of 12 are generally discouraged from visiting Northern General Hospital, except under exceptional circumstances. This policy helps protect both the young visitors and vulnerable patients, especially during outbreaks of seasonal illness or in high-risk areas like intensive care units.
However, some flexibility is allowed. The Nurse in Charge may permit child visitors if:
- A sibling or close relative is critically ill
- A long-term hospitalisation is impacting family bonding
- It’s a planned, supervised visit to a maternity or paediatric area
In such cases, adult supervision is required at all times, and the number of children visiting is usually limited. Parents or guardians should speak with ward staff in advance to discuss whether a visit is appropriate, especially in emotionally sensitive situations.
Children showing any signs of illness cough, fever, diarrhoea, or cold symptoms should not be brought into the hospital under any circumstance. Safety, hygiene, and the well-being of all patients remain the hospital’s top priority.
Do I Need to Book a Visit?
For most general wards at Northern General Hospital, you do not need to book a visit in advance. The hospital operates a flexible approach to visiting, allowing patients to receive support from loved ones throughout the day.
However, visitors should still notify the ward in advance if they plan to attend during less common hours or if special arrangements are required.
You may be asked to pre-arrange a visit in the following situations:
- Visiting outside standard daytime hours (evenings or overnight)
- Supporting a patient in critical care, cardiac wards, or mental health units
- Attending in larger family groups or coordinating a rotation of visitors
- During periods of infection control, such as flu season or COVID-19 surges
In high-dependency or specialist units, staff may provide set time slots to manage footfall and maintain clinical efficiency.
Booking ahead ensures a smoother visit, avoids disappointment, and helps the ward prepare for your arrival particularly if patients require assistance or quiet time during care routines.
Ward-Specific Visiting Times
Critical Care & ICU
Visiting hours in the Critical Care (ICU and HDU) departments at Northern General Hospital are more structured than in general wards.
Typically, visiting is allowed between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. These times are designed to balance patient rest, medical treatment, and family support, all within a high-intensity clinical environment.
Because patients in critical care are often very unwell or require constant monitoring, it’s essential to speak to the ICU team before your visit. Staff may restrict access during medical procedures, shift handovers, or in situations requiring isolation.
Other important considerations:
- Visitors are usually limited to immediate family or next of kin
- Only two visitors are allowed at a time
- Children may not be permitted without prior agreement
- Personal belongings, flowers, and food are often prohibited
If you’re unsure whether a loved one is in ICU or how to organise a visit, contact the hospital directly and ask to be transferred to the Critical Care Unit. Staff are usually helpful and understanding, especially when visits are clinically or emotionally important.
Chesterman Wing
The Chesterman Wing at Northern General Hospital specialises in cardiac and thoracic care, including heart surgery and respiratory treatments. Unlike general wards, it follows set visiting hours to maintain clinical control and patient rest.
Visiting times in the Chesterman Wing are:
- Afternoon: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Evening: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Visitors are asked to stick to these allocated windows unless otherwise arranged with ward staff. Due to the complex nature of recovery following heart or lung procedures, strict visiting protocols help prevent fatigue, reduce infection risks, and ensure patients receive uninterrupted care.
Visitors should:
- Be prepared for shorter visit durations
- Avoid bringing flowers or external food unless cleared in advance
- Limit personal belongings brought into the ward
If you’re supporting a patient recovering from surgery, the nursing team may guide you on the best times and how to assist with their recovery appropriately. Calling ahead is always recommended for up-to-date ward access.
Huntsman 7
Huntsman 7 is a specific ward within Northern General Hospital, known for its diverse care services, which may include rehabilitation, elderly care, or post-operative recovery depending on current hospital allocation.
Visiting hours for Huntsman 7 are set from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, offering a broad time window for family and carers to support patients throughout the day. This extended schedule allows greater flexibility, especially for those balancing work or long-distance travel with visiting responsibilities.
Key points for visiting Huntsman 7:
- No more than two visitors at the bedside at one time
- Hand hygiene is essential use sanitiser stations at entry and exit points
- Speak to the Nurse in Charge if your visit requires special arrangements or longer duration
- Children under 12 should be approved in advance
If you’re visiting for the first time, check with reception or hospital signage for directions, as Huntsman wards are spread across a wide site.
Mental Health Decisions Unit
The Decisions Unit at Northern General Hospital provides urgent mental health support and crisis assessment for adults.
Unlike many other hospital wards, this unit permits visiting between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, with a more relaxed approach to the number of visitors there is no strict cap, provided the environment remains calm and therapeutic.
Because mental health care is highly individualised, visits are often guided by what is best for the patient’s recovery. Friends and family may play a crucial role, particularly during emotionally difficult times. That said, staff will always advise whether a visit is appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Visitors should:
- Avoid attending in large groups
- Respect the privacy of other patients
- Refrain from bringing in phones, loud devices, or any items not cleared by staff
You’re encouraged to call the Decisions Unit before arriving, as visiting protocols may vary slightly based on each patient’s mental state and treatment plan.
COVID-19 and Hygiene Precautions
Are There Any COVID Visiting Restrictions?
As of now, Northern General Hospital does not have blanket COVID-19 visiting restrictions, but caution remains a priority.
Although national pandemic measures have eased, the hospital still follows NHS England’s guidance on infection prevention to protect patients especially those who are vulnerable, immunocompromised, or in high-risk areas such as ICU and oncology.
Here’s what visitors should be aware of:
- Do not visit if you have any COVID-19 symptoms this includes fever, persistent cough, or loss of taste/smell.
- Face masks may still be required in specific clinical areas or during outbreaks.
- Ward access may be temporarily suspended if there is a COVID outbreak check in advance if the patient’s ward has any restrictions.
- Lateral flow tests are no longer routinely required, but staff may request one in certain settings.
Visitors are expected to follow any temporary rules without argument, and staff will provide clear guidance at the ward level if COVID protocols are in place.
What If I’m Feeling Unwell?
If you’re feeling unwell even mildly it’s best to delay your visit to Northern General Hospital. This applies to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Coughs or sore throats
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Fever or chills
- Flu-like symptoms or unexplained fatigue
The hospital follows NHS guidance which requires visitors to be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before entering patient areas. This precaution is essential to protect already vulnerable patients and to prevent outbreaks within hospital wards.
Even if your symptoms seem minor or unrelated to COVID-19, your visit could still put others at risk. If unsure, call the ward staff they’ll help determine whether a visit is safe or suggest alternative ways to connect, such as a phone or video call.
Practising this level of responsibility shows respect for patient safety, hospital staff, and the wider community relying on NHS care.
Overnight & Special Circumstances
Can I Stay Overnight with a Patient?
Staying overnight at Northern General Hospital is permitted only in specific circumstances, and must be approved by the ward’s Nurse in Charge. The hospital aims to support compassionate care, particularly where overnight presence can help a patient feel safe, calm, or more independent.
You may be allowed to stay overnight if:
- You’re a designated carer for someone with learning disabilities or dementia
- The patient is in end-of-life care and family presence is vital
- You’re supporting a child or vulnerable adult through extended treatment
If approved, you’ll likely be offered a reclining chair or side-room where available. Overnight visitors are expected to follow ward routines, minimise noise, and avoid interfering with clinical care.
In some wards especially high-dependency or infection-sensitive areas overnight stays may not be possible due to safety protocols or space limitations. Always speak to the ward team in advance and be flexible to their guidance.
What If I’m a Carer or Visiting for End-of-Life Care?
Northern General Hospital takes a compassionate, person-centred approach when it comes to carers and end-of-life visits. If you are a registered carer, or the patient is in palliative care, the hospital will make every effort to ensure you can visit when needed regardless of standard visiting hours.
For carers:
- You may be allowed extended or unrestricted visiting if your presence supports communication, mobility, feeding, or emotional regulation.
- Discuss arrangements with the ward’s Nurse in Charge they may issue a carer’s pass or record your details for out-of-hours access.
- Staff will work with you to keep the patient safe and ensure your presence aligns with ward safety protocols.
For end-of-life care:
- The hospital offers open visiting to allow families to spend meaningful time with loved ones.
- Larger family groups may be permitted under staff guidance.
- Overnight stays, side-rooms, and pastoral support may be available where possible.
These exceptions reflect the hospital’s understanding that presence and support at key moments are essential not only for the patient but also for their loved ones.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at Northern General Hospital is a thoughtful, supportive act and thanks to the hospital’s flexible policy, it’s easier than ever to plan your visit with confidence.
While there are no fixed hours for general wards, special units like ICU, the Chesterman Wing, and the Mental Health Decisions Unit do have specific visiting times and rules to follow.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick hello or providing long-term emotional support, it’s always best to check in with ward staff ahead of time, especially if your situation involves children, overnight stays, or special care arrangements.
Don’t forget: you must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours, and hygiene remains a priority for everyone’s safety.
Northern General Hospital visiting times are designed with compassion and care in mind—helping patients heal and families stay connected.
Want to explore more local hospitals? Check our latest guides on Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, critical care policies, and NHS visitor tips across the UK. Share this article or bookmark it for your next visit.
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