Raigmore Hospital Visiting Times 2025

Raigmore Hospital visiting times are changing from 4 August 2025, with new set hours of 14:30–16:30 and 18:30–20:30 each day.

These updates are part of NHS Highland’s Welcome/Failte open visiting pilot, which aims to offer more flexibility while maintaining structure and safety across wards.

Planning a hospital visit can be confusing, especially when policies shift or vary by department. Whether you’re visiting a loved one recovering from surgery, a new parent in maternity, or someone in critical care, it’s essential to understand when and how you can visit.

In this guide, you’ll find the latest NHS-approved information on Raigmore Hospital’s visiting hours, ward-specific rules, infection control protocols, and what to expect before arriving.

Raigmore Hospital Visiting Times

Current Standard Visiting Times

As of 4 August 2025, the official Raigmore Hospital visiting times are now fixed at two daily sessions: 14:30–16:30 and 18:30–20:30. These hours apply across most general wards and are part of a structured approach introduced by NHS Highland to support patient wellbeing, clinical routines, and visitor access.

This change follows a six-week consultation process involving staff, patients, and the wider public. It replaces the former flexible ‘open visiting’ model that had been trialled across the region under the Welcome/Failte pilot scheme.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visits within these time windows, especially for patients in shared bays or those undergoing treatment during the day.

Staff will make every effort to accommodate exceptional circumstances, such as family members travelling long distances or those needing extended time due to a patient’s condition.

The updated schedule ensures more predictable ward activity, reduces overcrowding, and respects patients’ rest and recovery needs.

When the New Policy Takes Effect

The updated Raigmore Hospital visiting times come into effect on Monday, 4 August 2025, marking a significant shift in how NHS Highland manages hospital visits. This new policy is the result of a region-wide consultation aimed at balancing patient-centred care with the operational needs of hospital wards.

Before this change, Raigmore operated under a more flexible open visiting model where family and friends could attend at varied times, subject to staff discretion. While this allowed for greater personalisation, it also posed challenges for managing infection control, staff scheduling, and ensuring adequate patient rest.

From 4 August, the return to structured visiting hours applies hospital-wide, with specific provisions for critical care units, maternity services, and paediatrics. The change is designed to streamline ward routines and support better outcomes for patients while still offering ample opportunities for meaningful visits.

All visitors are advised to check the latest ward guidance before attending, as exceptions may apply.

Differences from Previous Rules

Before August 2025, Raigmore Hospital visiting times were more flexible under the Welcome/Failte open visiting pilot, which allowed family members to visit patients at nearly any time of day.

While this approach aimed to support person-centred care, it often created challenges for ward staff managing clinical duties, infection control, and mealtime routines.

The new structure introduces defined visiting windows 14:30–16:30 and 18:30–20:30 daily which bring consistency across wards and help avoid overcrowding in shared spaces. This change also ensures better coordination of patient care, such as uninterrupted treatment, protected mealtimes, and planned rest periods.

Importantly, while the core times are fixed, individual circumstances can still be accommodated. For example, visitors travelling from outside Inverness or those supporting vulnerable patients may be granted extended or alternative visiting arrangements by contacting ward staff in advance.

The revised model blends structure with compassion, aiming to improve both care quality and visitor experience.

Who Can Visit and When

Person-Centred Visiting Explained

NHS Highland continues to promote a person-centred visiting approach at Raigmore Hospital, even with the introduction of fixed time slots.

This means that, while general hours are set at 14:30–16:30 and 18:30–20:30, visitors are still encouraged to discuss individual needs with hospital staff to make appropriate arrangements.

Person-centred visiting recognises that not all patients or families fit a standard schedule. For instance, a patient nearing end-of-life, someone needing emotional support, or individuals with communication difficulties may require more flexible access.

In such cases, the ward team will work to accommodate reasonable requests outside standard times.

Additionally, the policy supports carers and close family members who are actively involved in a patient’s recovery.

These visitors may be granted extended access to help with eating, mobility, or reassurance. While the fixed hours provide structure, they are not rigid barriers rather, they act as guidelines to support safe, compassionate, and organised care.

Ward-Specific Guidelines (ICU, Children, Maternity)

While the general Raigmore Hospital visiting times apply across most wards, some departments have specific rules due to the nature of care they provide. These include:

• Critical Care and High Dependency Units (HDU): Visits to ICU or HDU must be arranged in advance with the nurse-in-charge. These units prioritise patient stability and infection control, so visiting may be limited to short durations or specific times depending on the patient’s condition.
• Children’s Ward: Parents or primary carers are usually allowed extended or even overnight stays. Other family members such as siblings or grandparents may be permitted to visit during normal hours but should coordinate with the ward to avoid overcrowding.
• Maternity Services: Birth partners typically have extended access, especially during labour or postnatal recovery. For all other visitors, standard visiting hours apply unless otherwise advised by staff.

Always contact the relevant ward before visiting to check for the latest restrictions or requirements.

Maximum Visitors & Flexibility

To maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff, Raigmore Hospital limits visitors to a maximum of two people per patient bed at any one time. This helps avoid overcrowding and ensures infection control measures can be followed effectively.

While the official visiting slots are fixed, NHS Highland encourages visitors to coordinate among themselves to spread visits throughout the day and avoid too many people on the ward simultaneously. There is no formal cap on the total number of visits a patient can receive daily, provided this limit per visit is respected.

Flexibility remains key. For example, if a patient requires frequent support or has specific needs, ward staff may agree to more flexible or additional visits. However, visitors should always liaise with the nursing team to ensure visits do not interfere with care or ward routines.

This approach balances the need for patient rest and recovery with the emotional benefits of having loved ones close.

NHS Highland’s Welcome/Failte Pilot Scheme

Goals of the Open Visiting Policy

The Welcome/Failte pilot scheme is NHS Highland’s innovative approach to hospital visiting, designed to place patients’ needs and wellbeing at the heart of visiting policies. It aims to move beyond rigid visiting hours towards a more flexible, person-centred model.

Key goals include:

• Enhancing patient comfort by allowing visits when they are most needed for emotional support.
• Supporting recovery through family involvement in care routines.
• Balancing staff workload and ward efficiency by managing visitor flow during critical times like mealtimes and treatments.
• Reducing overcrowding and maintaining infection control standards.

While Raigmore Hospital is adopting more structured visiting times from August 2025, the principles of the Welcome/Failte scheme remain in place to ensure visiting is compassionate and adaptable to individual circumstances.

Why Structured Visiting Still Matters

Despite the move toward more open and flexible visiting policies through the Welcome/Failte pilot, maintaining structured visiting hours at Raigmore Hospital remains essential for several reasons.

First, patient rest and recovery are paramount. Scheduled visiting periods help ensure patients can rest uninterrupted, particularly during critical recovery phases or overnight. This is crucial in supporting healing and reducing stress.

Second, structured times aid ward staff in managing care efficiently. Predictable visitor flow allows nurses and healthcare professionals to plan treatments, medication rounds, and ward cleaning without unexpected disruptions.

Third, infection control is a vital concern. Concentrating visits into specific windows helps enforce hygiene protocols, monitor visitor numbers, and reduce the risk of spreading infections, especially during flu season or outbreaks.

Finally, clear visiting hours offer visitors clarity and consistency, reducing confusion about when it’s appropriate to attend and making planning easier, especially for those travelling from afar.

This balance between flexibility and structure helps NHS Highland provide high-quality, safe, and compassionate care.

What to Know Before You Visit

Infection Control Rules

Infection prevention remains a priority at Raigmore Hospital to protect vulnerable patients, staff, and visitors. All visitors are expected to follow NHS Highland’s infection control guidelines when attending the hospital.

Key rules include:

• Using hand sanitiser upon entry and regularly during the visit. Hand hygiene is essential in limiting the spread of germs.
• Wearing a face mask may be required in certain wards or during outbreaks, such as flu season or other respiratory infections. While the general mask mandate has relaxed since the COVID-19 pandemic, some departments still enforce mask use.
• Visitors should avoid attending if unwell, especially if experiencing symptoms of contagious illnesses like cough, cold, or fever.
• Follow any additional instructions from ward staff regarding protective equipment or distancing.

These measures help ensure that visits do not compromise patient safety, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.

Protected Mealtimes

Raigmore Hospital enforces protected mealtimes to ensure patients receive their meals without disruption and have the best chance to eat and drink safely. During these periods, visitors may be asked to postpone or limit visits in dining areas and wards.

Protected mealtimes typically occur during the hospital’s lunch and evening meal services, often aligning with the new visiting windows. Staff use these times to focus on feeding patients, especially those requiring assistance, and to monitor nutritional intake.

While visitors may be asked to wait during these periods, exceptions can be made if a visitor is assisting a patient with eating or if there are special circumstances. Communicating with ward staff in advance helps manage expectations and allows for flexible arrangements when necessary.

Respecting protected mealtimes benefits patients’ health and supports ward staff in delivering high-quality care.

When Visiting May Be Restricted

Raigmore Hospital may temporarily restrict or suspend visiting during outbreaks of infectious illnesses such as flu, norovirus, or other communicable diseases. These restrictions help control the spread of infections within the hospital, protecting patients and staff.

During such periods:

• Visitors may be limited to immediate family members or end-of-life visits only.
• Certain wards may close to visitors entirely for safety reasons.
• Additional infection control measures, such as enhanced cleaning and PPE requirements, will be in place.
• Updates and restrictions are communicated promptly via hospital notices, NHS Highland websites, and social media channels.

Visitors are encouraged to check for the latest updates before attending, especially during peak seasonal illness periods. If you feel unwell or exhibit symptoms of infection, it is important to postpone your visit to keep patients safe.

Contact Details & Directions

Raigmore Hospital Contact Info

If you need to confirm visiting times, request special arrangements, or get ward-specific advice, you can contact Raigmore Hospital directly:

• Main Switchboard: 01463 704704
• Visiting Information Line: Available through main switchboard
• Website: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/raigmore-hospital

Calling ahead is especially recommended if you plan to visit patients in critical care, maternity, or children’s wards.

Parking and Public Transport Options

Raigmore Hospital is located on Old Perth Road, Inverness, with several parking options available:

• Visitor Parking: Pay-and-display car parks close to the main hospital entrance
• Disabled Parking: Spaces available near the hospital entrances (permit required)
• Public Transport: Several bus routes serve Raigmore Hospital from Inverness city centre and surrounding areas

Visitors are advised to allow extra time during peak hours for parking and transit.

Booking or Calling Ahead for Certain Wards

Some wards, such as Critical Care, Maternity, and Paediatrics, require visitors to book visits in advance or notify staff upon arrival to manage patient safety and ward capacity.

If you plan to visit these wards:

• Contact the ward directly via the hospital switchboard.
• Respect any specific visiting instructions or limits.
• Inform staff of any special needs or circumstances in advance.

Booking ahead helps the hospital coordinate care and ensures your visit is as smooth and safe as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the current visiting times at Raigmore Hospital?

The official visiting times are from 14:30 to 16:30 and 18:30 to 20:30 daily, starting 4 August 2025. These apply across most wards with some exceptions.

2. Can I visit patients in critical care or children’s wards?

Visits to Critical Care, High Dependency, Children’s, and Maternity wards require advance arrangement with ward staff. It’s best to call ahead to confirm visiting times and any special rules.

3. What should I do if I feel unwell before visiting?

If you have symptoms of illness such as cough, cold, fever, or flu, please postpone your visit to protect patients and staff from infection.

Conclusion

Raigmore Hospital visiting times have been updated to 14:30–16:30 and 18:30–20:30 daily as part of NHS Highland’s commitment to balancing patient care with visitor access.

While these structured hours provide clarity and support ward routines, flexibility remains for individual circumstances, especially in sensitive units like critical care and maternity.

Visitors should always check ward-specific rules and infection control guidance before attending, ensuring visits are safe and respectful for all patients.

By following these guidelines and coordinating visits thoughtfully, family and friends can offer vital support to loved ones during their hospital stay.

For more helpful hospital visiting information, explore other guides on HospitalVisitTimes.com or share this article to help others plan their visits smoothly.