Scarborough Hospital visiting times are generally from 2 pm to 8 pm daily across most wards, with specific rules in place for maternity, ICU, children’s wards, and emergency care.
These hours help ensure patients receive the rest and care they need, while still allowing family and friends to offer their support.
Planning to visit a loved one at Scarborough Hospital? You’re not alone many people are unsure of the current visiting hours, especially with evolving NHS policies. From flexible access for carers to strict ICU limits, each department has its own guidelines.
This article offers a complete, easy-to-follow guide to Scarborough Hospital’s visiting times and policies. Whether you’re a partner visiting maternity, a parent at the children’s ward, or supporting someone in intensive care, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit confidently and respectfully.
Scarborough Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Ward Visiting Times
The standard visiting hours at Scarborough Hospital for general adult inpatient wards are from 2 pm to 8 pm every day, including weekends. This six-hour window strikes a balance between patient care, medical schedules, and visitor access.
During these hours, patients can receive up to two visitors at a time, although exceptions can be made under compassionate circumstances.
Visitors do not need to book in advance for general wards, but are encouraged to plan their visits around patient routines, such as meal times or therapy sessions. Staff may occasionally limit visitor numbers in situations where the ward is especially busy or to protect vulnerable patients.
These guidelines reflect York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s commitment to balancing patient wellbeing with the importance of family support key to recovery in many cases.
Visitor Rules and Restrictions
While visiting is encouraged, it is subject to a few essential policies. Hand sanitisation is required on entry and exit to reduce the spread of infection.
Visitors are advised not to attend if they have symptoms of colds, flu, or gastrointestinal illness. If you have recently been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or another contagious illness, it’s best to delay your visit.
Children under 16 may visit if supervised, but it’s recommended to check with the ward team first. Visitors should keep noise levels low and avoid using mobile phones around sensitive areas. Additionally, bringing flowers or certain foods may be restricted, depending on the ward.
If you’re unsure whether your visit might disrupt medical care or compromise patient recovery, the hospital team is happy to guide you either by phone or at the reception desk upon arrival.
ICU and Critical Care Visiting Policies
Visiting Hours and Capacity Limits
For those visiting the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or other critical care areas at Scarborough Hospital, the standard visiting hours are also 2 pm to 8 pm daily. However, these visits are much more carefully managed due to the fragile condition of patients and the complexity of treatment environments.
A maximum of two visitors per patient is allowed at a time in the ICU. Visitors may need to wait during clinical procedures or emergencies, and visits may be staggered or shortened depending on patient needs. You may be asked to leave the area temporarily while medical interventions are carried out.
Visitors to ICU should check in at the nursing station on arrival. The staff will guide you on hygiene protocols, including thorough handwashing and sometimes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), depending on the patient’s condition.
Special Overnight Arrangements
In specific circumstances particularly where a patient is critically ill or nearing end of life overnight visiting may be allowed. Scarborough Hospital offers designated quiet spaces or overnight rooms for close family members, though these are limited and must be arranged in advance with ward staff.
This flexibility is part of the Trust’s person-centred approach, acknowledging the emotional and psychological importance of loved ones being nearby during the most serious stages of care. Families are encouraged to discuss overnight options with the ICU team early to avoid disappointment.
Importantly, staff remain available to support visitors emotionally, answer questions about patient conditions, and coordinate access sensitively and safely.
Maternity Ward Visiting Times
Partner and Family Schedules
Scarborough Hospital’s maternity wards (including G2 and Hawthorn wards) offer more flexible visiting hours to accommodate the needs of new parents and their support networks. Partners or one designated support person may visit from 8 am to 8 pm daily, ensuring they can provide consistent care and companionship throughout the day.
Other family members and friends can visit during designated times: 3 pm to 4:30 pm and again from 7 pm to 8 pm. During these periods, only two visitors at a time are allowed per patient. This policy ensures new mothers and babies can rest and bond without being overwhelmed by a continuous stream of visitors.
All visitors are asked to maintain a quiet, respectful environment. Flash photography is discouraged, and mobile phones should be kept on silent to avoid disruption in shared rooms.
Neonatal Unit (SCBU) Policies
For babies requiring extra support in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), visiting access is more open but still controlled for safety. Parents, guardians, and siblings are usually permitted to visit at any time, though entry may be limited temporarily during care procedures or shift changes.
Due to the high risk of infection in neonatal settings, strict hygiene rules apply. Visitors must wash their hands thoroughly and may be asked to wear gowns or face coverings. Siblings are welcome, but must be in good health and supervised at all times.
Staff in SCBU understand the stress of having a child in neonatal care, and they work closely with families to ensure access is both emotionally supportive and clinically safe.
Visiting Children at Scarborough Hospital
Parents and Carers Access
If your child is admitted to Scarborough Hospital, you’ll be pleased to know that parents and carers have 24-hour access to the children’s ward. This flexible policy supports the emotional wellbeing of young patients and helps maintain continuity of care from familiar faces.
Parents are encouraged to stay overnight if needed, especially for younger children or those with complex conditions. Bedside chairs or fold-out beds are typically provided, and ward staff can guide you on what to bring, including snacks, comfort items, and toiletries.
The hospital team recognises that children heal faster when their families are nearby, and they go to great lengths to accommodate the needs of parents or guardians within clinical limits.
Sibling and Family Visitor Rules
Extended family and friends can visit from 2 pm to 8 pm, the same hours as general wards. However, the children’s ward has a maximum of four visitors per patient, and all children under 16 must be supervised.
To keep the environment calm and safe, only healthy visitors are allowed—if a sibling or relative has a cough, cold, or tummy upset, it’s best to delay the visit. Toys brought from home must be cleanable and safe for hospital settings.
Visitors are reminded to wash their hands regularly, avoid crowding the bed area, and coordinate their visits with staff to prevent overwhelming the patient. Quiet time and rest periods may be scheduled throughout the day.
Emergency Department (A&E) Visitor Policy
Who Can Accompany Patients
The Emergency Department (A&E) at Scarborough Hospital does not have fixed visiting hours due to its unpredictable and high-demand nature. That said, patients are allowed to be accompanied in certain cases typically one visitor per adult patient, depending on how busy the department is.
Exceptions are made for vulnerable patients, those with learning difficulties, or anyone needing assistance with communication or mobility. Children under 16 attending A&E may be accompanied by both parents or guardians.
Due to space limitations and patient privacy, visitors may be asked to wait outside the treatment area or return later. Staff assess each situation individually and will provide updates and guidance throughout the visit.
Rules for Children and Vulnerable Individuals
When attending with children, parents are expected to stay with them throughout the A&E experience. There are usually designated waiting areas, and some basic provisions are available to help keep young patients comfortable while waiting to be seen.
For elderly or vulnerable adults, staff may permit carers or family members to stay longer, especially during assessments or transfers to wards. Again, space and safety remain priorities, so rules can change depending on real-time needs.
If in doubt, it’s best to call ahead to the A&E department for advice, especially if the person you’re accompanying has specific support needs.
COVID-19 & Hygiene Measures
Hand Sanitisation, Masks, and Illness Protocols
While formal pandemic restrictions have eased, Scarborough Hospital still maintains strict hygiene standards to prevent the spread of infections within its wards. All visitors are required to use hand sanitiser on arrival and departure, and masks may still be required in certain high-risk areas such as the ICU, maternity, and oncology.
Visitors are urged to follow any signage or instructions from staff regarding PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These measures are there to protect patients especially those who are immunocompromised from avoidable exposure to viruses and bacteria.
Some departments may provide additional protective items at the entrance, including gloves or gowns, particularly in critical care or neonatal units. If unsure, always ask a nurse before entering.
When Not to Visit
If you are feeling unwell, especially with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea, you should not visit the hospital under any circumstances. This applies even to mild symptoms that might seem harmless, as hospital patients are often vulnerable to infections.
Similarly, if you’ve been in close contact with someone recently diagnosed with COVID-19, flu, or norovirus, it is advised that you postpone your visit by at least 48 hours after your last exposure or symptoms have cleared.
By following these rules, you help protect not only your loved one but also other patients and healthcare staff ensuring safer visits for everyone.
Conclusion
Understanding the current Scarborough Hospital visiting times is essential for planning a supportive and respectful visit.
While most general wards welcome visitors from 2 pm to 8 pm, specific departments like ICU, maternity, and children’s services have their own tailored schedules and visitor limits.
Whether you’re a parent staying overnight, a partner visiting a new mother, or a friend supporting a patient in recovery, knowing these details helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Always follow hygiene protocols, stay informed about departmental rules, and reach out to staff if you need flexibility or clarification.
For the latest updates and ward-specific advice, contact the hospital directly or refer to their NHS website.
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