Southend Hospital visiting times are designed to give friends and family the chance to support loved ones while ensuring patients receive the rest and care they need.
In most wards, visiting is allowed between 11 am and 8 pm, but some units such as Dowsett Ward offer 24-hour access, and others operate extended or more restricted hours.
Arriving outside permitted times could mean being turned away, which is the last thing you want when visiting someone who needs comfort.
This guide provides a clear, ward-by-ward breakdown of Southend Hospital’s visiting times, including general wards, specialist units, maternity, and critical care, so you can plan your visit with confidence.
Standard Southend Hospital Visiting Times
The majority of wards at Southend Hospital Visiting Times follow a consistent timetable, with visiting permitted between 11 am and 8 pm daily. These times are in place to balance patient wellbeing with the essential medical care that must take place throughout the day.
During these hours, patients are usually allowed up to two visitors at a time, ensuring the ward does not become overcrowded and clinical staff can continue to work safely. In some cases, children may also visit, but this is generally at the discretion of ward staff.
If you are planning to bring younger visitors, it is best to check in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointment.
Quiet periods are encouraged, particularly in the early afternoon when patients may be resting, or during ward rounds.
Visitors are also asked to keep mobile phones on silent and maintain a calm environment to support recovery.
Wards with Extended or Special Visiting
While the 11 am to 8 pm schedule covers most areas, some wards at Southend Hospital operate longer hours to meet the needs of patients with specific health conditions.
Dowsett Ward (Acute Medical Receiving Unit)
The Dowsett Ward is unique within Southend Hospital, as it permits visiting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have just been admitted and may require additional family support. It also allows loved ones to attend during unsociable hours if travel or work commitments make daytime visits difficult.
Estuary and Bedwell Wards
Both the Estuary and Bedwell wards provide an extra hour of visiting in the evening, remaining open until 9 pm. This is especially convenient for visitors who work standard hours and may struggle to arrive earlier.
Chalkwell Ward
The Chalkwell Ward, which specialises in elderly care, allows slightly later access, opening at 11:30 am and closing at 9 pm. This flexibility helps families and carers support patients who may benefit from familiar company during recovery.
Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) & Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU)
Located in the Cherry Tree Wing, these units allow visiting from 8 am through to 8:30 pm. This broad window accommodates the rapid pace of emergency care, ensuring families can attend during key stages of assessment or treatment.
Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU)
The SAU, based in the Prittlewell Building, has more limited visiting hours, typically from 2 pm until 8 pm. This later start allows the medical team to complete crucial assessments and procedures during the morning without interruption.
Maternity and Neonatal Southend Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting policies for maternity and neonatal services are more structured to protect both mothers and newborns.
- Partners are usually permitted extended access, often outside standard visiting hours, to provide vital support during recovery.
- Siblings of the new baby may also be welcomed, but typically only at designated times.
- Other family members and friends must adhere to set visiting hours, which may differ depending on whether the mother is in antenatal or postnatal care.
For neonatal intensive care units, parental presence is prioritised, with parents often able to visit around the clock. Other visitors usually need prior approval and may be restricted during sensitive care periods.
Paediatric and Critical Care Visiting
Children’s wards and intensive care units have stricter guidelines.
For paediatric wards, parents or guardians are often encouraged to stay with their child, while other visitors may be limited. This helps ensure that young patients feel secure and reduces exposure to potential infections.
In critical care or intensive care units, visiting is usually more flexible but must be coordinated with nursing staff. Families are encouraged to speak directly with ward managers to arrange visits that accommodate both the patient’s condition and the unit’s clinical demands.
How to Arrange Visits Outside Normal Hours
Sometimes, families need to visit outside the standard times. This could be for compassionate reasons, long-distance travel, or urgent family circumstances.
To arrange a visit outside published hours, you should contact the ward manager or the nurses’ station directly. In exceptional cases, especially for end-of-life care, staff are usually very accommodating and will make arrangements for families to be present when needed.
Visitors should always call ahead to confirm before travelling, as ward policies may occasionally change due to medical priorities or temporary restrictions (such as during infection outbreaks).
Conclusion
Most wards at Southend Hospital visiting times welcome visitors between 11 am and 8 pm, making it easy for family and friends to offer comfort and support. However, some units, such as the Dowsett Ward, operate 24-hour visiting, while others like the Estuary, Bedwell, and Chalkwell wards allow extended evening access.
Specialist areas such as SDEC, CDU, and the Surgical Assessment Unit have their own schedules, so it is always worth checking before you travel.
If you are visiting a patient in maternity, neonatal, paediatric, or critical care, additional restrictions may apply. Staff are available to guide you, and in most cases, compassionate or emergency visits outside the standard timetable can be arranged.
By planning ahead and understanding the Southend Hospital visiting times, you can ensure your visit goes smoothly and that patients receive the care, rest, and support they need.
Looking for visiting details at other Essex hospitals? Explore our full hospital visiting times or guide to plan your next visit with confidence.
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