Walsall Manor Hospital visiting times currently run from 11 am to 8 pm daily for most general wards, with a limit of two visitors at a patient’s bedside at any one time. These extended hours were introduced in 2024 to support patient wellbeing and family involvement.
Planning a hospital visit can be daunting, especially when navigating different ward rules, infection control policies, or compassionate access exceptions. Whether you’re visiting a loved one in a general ward or need clarity on special units like maternity or ICU, knowing when and how to visit is vital.
This guide provides a full breakdown of Walsall Manor Hospital’s current visiting hours, ward-specific policies, exceptions, and contact details. You’ll also find tips for a smoother visit and how to arrange video-calls if in-person visiting isn’t possible.
All details are sourced directly from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to ensure accuracy and ease for your next hospital visit.
Walsall Manor Hospital Visiting Times
General Ward Visiting Times
Walsall Manor Hospital operates a consistent visiting window across its general wards, running from 11 am to 8 pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays. This flexible schedule was introduced in late 2024 to promote better patient recovery and allow loved ones more freedom to visit at convenient times.
Each patient may receive up to two visitors at the bedside at any one time, which helps manage ward capacity and maintain a peaceful environment. Visitors are encouraged to stagger their visits, especially in shared bays, to minimise disruption to other patients.
Patients in single rooms may receive more flexible arrangements, but it is always advisable to speak with the nurse in charge beforehand. To confirm visiting times for a specific ward, contact the hospital switchboard on 01922 721172 or the Welcome Hub on 01922 444040.
Visitors should be prepared to use hand sanitiser upon arrival and comply with infection control guidelines set out by the NHS Trust.
Recent Changes to Visiting Policy
In November 2024, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust extended visiting times after consultations with patients, staff, and families. Prior to the change, visiting was restricted to afternoon blocks.
The updated policy now allows visitors seven days a week from 11 am to 8 pm, offering more opportunities for families to engage in patient care and emotional support.
This change reflects NHS England’s broader move towards “open visiting”, a policy aimed at improving recovery outcomes, supporting mental health, and creating a more compassionate hospital culture. However, the Trust maintains that these hours may still be restricted in certain wards or during infection outbreaks.
Always check ahead, especially if the patient is in a vulnerable category, or if you’re planning to visit during unusual hours.
Rules and Restrictions for Visitors
Number of Visitors Allowed
To ensure a calm and healing environment for patients, a maximum of two visitors is allowed at a bedside at any given time in Walsall Manor Hospital’s general wards. This policy helps reduce overcrowding and ensures staff can continue providing safe, efficient care.
While family members are welcome, large groups are strongly discouraged. If more than two people wish to visit, they are encouraged to rotate their time slots. In exceptional cases such as palliative or end-of-life care ward staff may authorise additional visitors based on clinical need or emotional support considerations.
It’s always best to speak to the nurse in charge if you need flexibility, particularly for sensitive situations involving long-term hospital stays or vulnerable patients.
Age Limits and Family Visits
Children under the age of 12 are generally not permitted to visit patients unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when visiting a parent or grandparent who is critically ill. In such cases, prior agreement with ward staff is essential.
Teenagers aged 12–17 may visit if they are closely related to the patient and can comply with the hospital’s behavioural expectations. All underage visitors must be supervised by an adult throughout their visit.
This policy is in place to safeguard children from potential infection risks and to minimise the chances of disrupting patient care within the wards. Parents should also consider the emotional impact of hospital visits on young children.
Infection Control and Visiting Closures
Walsall Manor Hospital continues to implement infection control measures, especially during flu season or if a ward experiences an outbreak of COVID-19, norovirus, or other transmissible illnesses. In these instances, visiting may be restricted, postponed, or cancelled with little notice.
Visitors are expected to:
- Use the provided hand sanitiser on entry and exit.
- Wear masks when requested by staff or signage.
- Avoid visiting if they feel unwell, even with mild symptoms like a cold or cough.
If a ward is temporarily closed to visitors, exceptions may still be granted under compassionate grounds. Always call ahead or email [email protected] to check the status before you travel.
Special Ward Guidelines
Maternity and Neonatal Visiting Rules
Visiting rules for maternity and neonatal units at Walsall Manor Hospital differ from those on general wards. Birthing partners are allowed 24/7 access to support mothers during labour and recovery.
However, other visitors, including family members and friends, must follow designated visiting times, which are often more limited to protect newborns and postnatal mothers.
Typically, maternity ward visiting hours are 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm, with only two adult visitors permitted at a time. Children under 16 are not usually allowed unless they are the baby’s siblings.
In the neonatal unit, strict hygiene protocols apply, and visits are usually limited to parents only, with occasional flexibility for grandparents or siblings based on the baby’s condition and staff approval.
Contact the maternity ward directly to confirm current guidelines before arriving, as policies may change due to infection control or seasonal health risks.
ICU and High Dependency Unit Visits
Visiting the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Walsall Manor Hospital is permitted, but on a strictly controlled basis. These areas treat patients with serious and life-threatening conditions, meaning visitation is typically arranged by appointment or invitation only.
Generally, ICU staff will contact families when visits are appropriate. Visiting slots may be limited in duration and often involve just one or two visitors at a time, depending on the patient’s condition. Protective equipment like gowns and masks may be required during visits.
If you need to enquire about visiting an ICU patient, call the hospital switchboard and ask to be transferred to the relevant unit for up-to-date advice.
Paediatrics and End-of-Life Compassionate Visits
In the Children’s Ward, parents or legal guardians can remain with their child 24 hours a day. One parent is usually allowed to stay overnight. Other visitors, including siblings, may be permitted during designated hours but must be discussed in advance with ward staff.
For patients receiving end-of-life care, Walsall Manor Hospital has a compassionate visiting policy. In such cases, extended visiting hours and additional visitor allowances may be granted. Staff are trained to support families during these sensitive times, and the rules are made more flexible to prioritise emotional needs.
If your visit falls under compassionate grounds, contact the Welcome Hub (01922 444040) to coordinate access and discuss any necessary accommodations.
How to Arrange a Visit or Check Availability
Contact Numbers and Welcome Hub Services
To ensure a smooth and informed visit to Walsall Manor Hospital, it’s highly recommended to confirm ward-specific visiting times or potential restrictions in advance. This is especially important if you’re visiting a specialist unit or planning a visit outside of regular hours.
The hospital’s main switchboard is your first point of contact: 01922 721172 available daily for ward transfers and general queries.
For more detailed visitor support, contact the Welcome Hub, which assists with:
- Visiting arrangements
- Compassionate access enquiries
- Booking virtual video-calls
- Advice on visiting policies for specific wards
Welcome Hub: 01922 444040
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm; Saturday, 8 am–2 pm
If you’re unsure which ward a patient is in, or what rules apply, the Welcome Hub team is equipped to guide you through the process quickly and respectfully.
Booking Video-Calls or Virtual Visits
For those unable to visit in person due to distance, illness, or hospital restrictions Walsall Manor Hospital offers video-call services facilitated by staff. These calls help families stay connected with patients when physical access is not possible.
To arrange a video-call:
- Contact the Welcome Hub via phone or email.
- Provide the patient’s full name, date of birth (if possible), and your contact details.
- A staff member will coordinate a suitable time for the virtual visit.
This service is especially valuable for patients with longer admissions or those in isolated care areas where visiting is restricted.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Parking and Arrival Advice
Walsall Manor Hospital provides on-site car parking, but availability can be limited during peak visiting hours (especially between 1 pm and 5 pm). Visitors are encouraged to:
- Arrive early to find parking.
- Use the hospital’s Pay & Display system (accepts coins and card payments).
- Park only in designated visitor areas to avoid fines or enforcement.
Disabled parking bays are available near the main entrances, and Blue Badge holders can usually park free of charge (though time restrictions may apply). Always check the signage or ask staff for the most up-to-date parking guidance.
Public transport is a good alternative. The hospital is accessible by local bus routes and is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Walsall Railway Station.
What to Bring
While visiting your loved one, it’s thoughtful to bring personal items or comfort goods—but there are some dos and don’ts to consider.
Recommended items:
- Books or magazines
- Mobile devices (with headphones)
- Toiletries or clean clothes (if agreed by staff)
- Food/drinks (check ward policy)
Avoid bringing:
- Flowers (many wards prohibit them due to allergy and infection risks)
- Perishable food that needs refrigeration
- Excessive bags or bulky gifts
- Anything with strong scents (perfume, aftershave)
If you’re unsure, ask the nurse in charge before bringing any personal items into the hospital. Ensuring that you follow ward policies helps create a safe and comfortable space for everyone.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at Walsall Manor Hospital can be a comforting and supportive experience when planned properly. With daily visiting hours now extended from 11 am to 8 pm, the Trust offers greater flexibility for family and friends.
However, each ward particularly maternity, ICU, and paediatrics may have specific rules or exceptions.
Always check ahead by contacting the ward or Welcome Hub to ensure you’re up to date with the latest guidelines. This is especially important if visiting during times of increased infection risk or under compassionate grounds.
Whether you’re planning a quick drop-in or a longer visit, understanding the hospital’s policies will help make your time more meaningful and stress-free.
Share this article to keep others informed!