Oldham Hospital visiting times typically run from 10 am to 7:30 pm daily, with specific adjustments for units such as maternity, intensive care, and paediatrics. Operated by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Oldham Hospital now follows a visitors’ charter offering extended, more flexible hours to support patient wellbeing.
Planning to visit a loved one at Oldham Hospital? Whether you’re heading to the Acute Medical Unit, maternity ward, or a paediatric bay, knowing when and how to visit makes a huge difference.
In this guide, we explain the exact visiting hours by ward, who can visit, infection control policies, and when exceptions apply such as for end-of-life care or protected mealtimes.
Stay informed and avoid wasted trips. This article provides everything you need to navigate Royal Oldham Hospital’s visiting times in 2025.
Oldham Hospital Visiting Times
Standard visiting hours under the NCA
The standard visiting times at Royal Oldham Hospital as part of the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) run from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm daily across most wards.
This open-window policy reflects the Trust’s commitment to patient-centred care through its new Visitors’ Charter. These extended hours aim to give families more flexibility to spend meaningful time with loved ones and support recovery.
Visitors are welcome throughout the entire day, including weekends and bank holidays, unless otherwise advised by ward staff. However, individual departments or specialist wards may set specific schedules for clinical or safety reasons. It’s always best to call ahead if you’re unsure.
This general rule of 10am to 7:30pm serves as a baseline, with very few exceptions maternity, AMU, and paediatrics have adjusted time slots, which we explore below.
Number of visitors and age restrictions
Under the current NCA policy, up to two visitors per patient are typically allowed at any one time. This limit helps maintain calm environments and ensures patients aren’t overwhelmed, especially on shared wards.
Children under 16 may visit in certain circumstances but must be accompanied by an adult. For those under 12, explicit permission from the nurse in charge is required. In high-risk areas or when infection risks are heightened, additional restrictions may apply.
For patients receiving end-of-life care, visitor limits are relaxed. Families may visit more freely and for longer periods usually without number or time constraints.
Infection control rules (masks, hand gel, symptoms)
While face masks are no longer mandatory in most areas of Oldham Hospital, visitors are still encouraged to wear them if they feel unwell or have recently recovered from a respiratory illness. Face coverings remain available at entrances and near clinical areas.
Visitors who have experienced symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, flu, or COVID-19 in the last 48 hours are strongly advised not to visit. This is to protect vulnerable patients and staff from potential outbreaks.
Hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the hospital, and guests are urged to clean their hands on arrival and before leaving the ward.
Maternity Ward Visiting Times
Labour and delivery rules
If you’re supporting someone through labour at Royal Oldham Hospital, you’re allowed to be present throughout the birth.
The hospital permits two designated birth partners to accompany the mother during labour and delivery, regardless of the time of day or night. This is part of the Trust’s emphasis on providing compassionate, continuous maternity care.
These visitors must remain the same throughout the birthing process and are expected to follow all guidance given by midwifery staff, particularly around infection prevention and PPE where applicable.
Postnatal and antenatal ward schedule
Visiting times for antenatal and postnatal wards differ slightly from general hospital hours to preserve rest periods for new mothers and babies. The current visiting structure is as follows:
- 8:00 pm–10:00 pm: Reserved for partners and siblings only
- 2:00 pm–4:00 pm & 6:00 pm–8:00 pm: General visiting windows
During these sessions, patients may receive up to four visitors this includes siblings and the designated partner. Visitor swapping is not permitted during the time slot. Staff may reduce visitor numbers in exceptional cases, such as ward overcrowding or clinical concerns.
Partner, sibling, and general visitor policies
Partners have extended access rights, especially in the immediate hours following birth. They are encouraged to remain with the mother during recovery, especially on the first night. However, overnight stays are subject to availability and clinical discretion.
Siblings of the newborn are welcome during specific time slots but must be supervised at all times. General visitors such as grandparents, friends, or extended family should visit only during the designated afternoon and evening periods. All visitors are asked to follow infection control rules and to avoid visiting if unwell.
Visiting the AMU, ICU and Other Specialist Wards
Acute Medical Unit (AMU) hours
The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Royal Oldham Hospital follows a slightly more generous visiting window than the general wards. Visiting is allowed from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, giving family members more flexibility, especially during the critical early stage of a patient’s hospital stay.
However, there are protected mealtimes to ensure patients can eat without interruption:
- Breakfast: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
- Dinner: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
During these times, visitors are generally asked to step out unless they are actively assisting the patient with eating or if the patient needs emotional support. This helps maintain dignity and nutrition care.
ICU and high-dependency protocols
Visiting policies for Intensive Care Units (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDU) tend to be more sensitive and require individual arrangements with the ward.
Although the Trust’s charter recommends the general 10:00 am to 7:30 pm hours, ICU staff often adjust this based on patient condition, care schedules, and medical procedures.
Due to the complexity of care, visits may be shorter or staggered, and visitors might be asked to wear PPE such as masks or aprons. The number of visitors at one time is also typically limited to one or two. If you’re planning to visit someone in ICU, always phone ahead for tailored guidance.
End-of-life care: unrestricted access guidance
For patients receiving end-of-life care, Royal Oldham Hospital adopts a compassionate and flexible approach. There are no time or visitor limits, and family members may stay for extended periods to provide comfort.
Hospital staff work closely with families to create a respectful and supportive environment, often arranging quiet rooms and emotional support if needed. Children, extended family, and spiritual advisors are all welcome during these critical moments, though some infection control measures may still apply.
Visitors are encouraged to speak with the nurse-in-charge or palliative care team to coordinate access and ensure the patient receives uninterrupted support.
Visiting Children or Paediatric Patients
Parental access rules
At Royal Oldham Hospital, parents or legal guardians of paediatric patients are granted 24/7 open access to their child’s bedside. The hospital prioritises the presence of primary caregivers as a key component of paediatric care and emotional reassurance.
In most cases, one parent or guardian can stay overnight, particularly for young children or those requiring long-term care. The nursing team provides reclining chairs or pull-out beds where available. Parents are also involved in care planning and day-to-day decisions during the child’s hospital stay.
Guidelines for siblings and family visitors
Siblings and other family members can generally visit between 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm, subject to ward capacity and staff discretion. All visitors under 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
To maintain a safe and calm environment, the number of visitors at a time may be limited usually to two additional people besides the parent or guardian. Visitors who have recently been unwell, especially with colds, flu, or stomach bugs, should delay their visit for at least 48 hours.
Safety measures and visiting limits
The paediatric ward continues to follow strict infection control practices. Face masks may be required during respiratory illness spikes or in winter flu seasons. Hand sanitiser is provided at the ward entrance and should be used before and after visiting.
Parents are encouraged to alert staff if their child has been exposed to infections at home or school prior to admission. The safety of immunocompromised or vulnerable children is a top priority, so restrictions may be heightened at short notice if outbreaks occur.
Contact Information and Ward Enquiries
Who to call before your visit
To confirm ward-specific visiting policies or enquire about exceptions, it’s best to contact the hospital directly. You can reach Royal Oldham Hospital via the main switchboard at:
- 0161 624 0420
- Address: Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham OL1 2JH
Ask for the relevant ward by name or extension, and a member of staff will provide up-to-date guidance. If you’re unsure of the ward, provide the patient’s full name and date of birth staff will assist appropriately.
Holiday and weekend differences
Visiting times at Oldham Hospital are typically consistent seven days a week, including bank holidays. However, some services may operate on reduced staffing during holidays or weekends, which could affect ward capacity or access.
It’s advisable to call ahead if you plan to visit over Easter, Christmas, or public holidays, especially in critical care units, where schedules can change at short notice.
NHS and Trust resources for updates
For the most accurate, real-time information, check the following resources:
- Northern Care Alliance Visiting Information: northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/visiting-our-hospitals
- Royal Oldham Hospital Profile (NHS website): nhs.uk/services/hospital/royal-oldham-hospital/RM317
Bookmark these pages for future reference, as policies may change during flu season, COVID surges, or Trust-wide updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visiting hours at Oldham Hospital?
The standard visiting times at Royal Oldham Hospital are 10:00 am to 7:30 pm daily, including weekends and bank holidays. Some units, such as the Acute Medical Unit (AMU), operate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, while maternity and paediatrics have specific visiting slots.
Can children visit patients at Oldham Hospital?
Yes, but with restrictions. Children under 12 must receive permission from the ward’s nurse in charge, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are typically welcome during designated hours on maternity and paediatric wards.
Do I need to wear a face mask when visiting?
While not mandatory in most areas, face masks are recommended during times of high infection risk or if you’ve recently recovered from illness. Masks and hand sanitiser are readily available throughout the hospital.
Conclusion
Understanding the correct Oldham Hospital visiting times can help you make the most of your visit and avoid unnecessary delays.
The standard hours of 10 am to 7:30 pm apply across most wards, but units like maternity, AMU, ICU, and paediatrics have tailored schedules to suit their patients’ needs.
Whether you’re visiting a new mother, an elderly patient in recovery, or a child on the paediatric ward, being informed about visitor limits, safety measures, and contact points ensures a smoother and more respectful experience for everyone.
Always call ahead if you’re unsure or planning a visit over a bank holiday. Flexibility and compassion are key but preparation makes the difference.
Looking to visit another NHS hospital? Explore our complete hospital visiting directory for up-to-date guidance across the UK. Don’t forget to share this guide with friends or family planning a visit!
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