Worthing Hospital visiting times are currently set between for most adult inpatient wards, with flexible arrangements available for end-of-life care and maternity patients.
Visitors can expect clear guidelines to ensure patient wellbeing, privacy, and infection control.
This guide provides a full breakdown of Worthing Hospital visiting times, including inpatient, maternity, and exceptional circumstances, so you can plan your visit with confidence.
As part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing Hospital follows trust-wide policies that balance family support with safe patient care.
Worthing Hospital Visiting Times General Wards
Standard Visiting Hours
Worthing Hospital visiting times, part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, welcomes visitors daily between 10 am and 8 pm on its adult inpatient wards. These hours provide flexibility for families and carers while ensuring that patients still have quiet time for rest, meals, and medical care.
Unlike older restrictions where visiting was only allowed for a few hours in the afternoon, this updated schedule enables relatives to choose times that suit their work or personal commitments.
Visitors are encouraged to plan visits during quieter times to reduce ward congestion and give patients more personal interaction. While the hours are consistent across most adult wards, certain specialist areassuch as critical care or high dependency may apply slightly different arrangements. Always confirm with the ward before travelling to avoid disappointment.
By setting extended hours, Worthing Hospital ensures patients benefit from the emotional support of family and friends, which plays an important role in recovery.
Number of Visitors Allowed
For general inpatient wards at Worthing Hospital, up to two adult visitors are permitted at a patient’s bedside at any one time. Importantly, these do not need to be the same individuals throughout the day, which allows families to alternate visits.
This system ensures fair access while preventing overcrowding that could disrupt patient rest or compromise infection prevention measures.
Children are generally not allowed on adult inpatient wards, except in exceptional circumstances and with prior agreement from staff. This policy helps protect vulnerable patients and younger visitors from potential infection risks.
Patients and their relatives are encouraged to coordinate visiting schedules to maximise support while maintaining the calm environment required for effective care.
Exceptions for End-of-Life Patients
Compassionate allowances are made for patients receiving end-of-life care. In such cases, Worthing Hospital permits up to four visitors per day, subject to agreement with ward staff. These visits are arranged with flexibility and dignity in mind, ensuring families can spend valuable time together.
Where needed, visiting hours may be extended beyond the standard 10 am to 8 pm window. Staff work closely with families to create an environment that balances patient comfort with necessary clinical support.
These compassionate policies underline the hospital’s commitment to holistic, family-centred care during difficult times.Worthing Hospital Maternity Visiting Times
Visiting Hours for Birth Partners
In the maternity wards at Worthing Hospital, birth partners hold a unique role and are offered 24/7 access. This continuous availability reflects the importance of having trusted support during labour, birth, and postnatal recovery. Partners are encouraged to remain with the mother as much as possible, providing reassurance, comfort, and advocacy during what can be an intense experience.
Birth partners are, however, expected to follow certain ward guidelines. They should remain dressed and present within the mother’s bedside area at all times, and they are discouraged from leaving the ward late at night unless necessary. This ensures patient privacy and security for all new mothers on the ward.
Visiting Rules for Other Family & Friends
For friends, relatives, and siblings, maternity visiting hours are set between 2 pm and 8 pm daily. This schedule ensures that mothers and babies have protected rest times while still allowing families to meet and bond with the new arrival.
A maximum of three adults may be present at the bedside, and this number includes the birth partner. Younger siblings are allowed to visit but must be in good health and remain supervised throughout. Staff emphasise the importance of visitors staying by the mother’s side rather than moving around the ward unnecessarily.
Restrictions on Overnight Stays & Siblings
Overnight accommodation for partners or visitors is not available in the maternity wards at Worthing Hospital. Supporters are expected to respect the 11 pm quiet policy, which protects mothers’ rest and recovery. After this time, no further entry to the ward is permitted, and visitors should avoid leaving and returning during the night.
While siblings are welcome during visiting hours, the hospital requires that they remain well and free from infection. This safeguard helps protect newborns and mothers during the vulnerable postnatal period.
Visiting Guidelines & Restrictions at Worthing Hospital
COVID-19 Visiting Policies
While the strictest COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, Worthing Hospital continues to encourage infection prevention measures. Visitors should not attend if they have symptoms of COVID-19, flu, or other contagious illnesses. Face coverings may be required in certain high-risk areas, such as oncology or intensive care.
Rules on Children Visiting
Children are not permitted on adult wards except in special circumstances agreed with staff. This policy reduces infection risk and helps maintain a quieter environment for recovery. On maternity wards, however, siblings are welcomed during visiting times provided they are healthy and accompanied by an adult.
How to Request Extended Visiting
Families who need more flexible visiting perhaps due to work commitments, long-distance travel, or emotional support needs can request extensions directly with the ward manager. These requests are handled sensitively, with patient wellbeing at the centre of any decision.
Contacting Worthing Hospital for Visiting Enquiries
For the most accurate, ward-specific visiting information, families can contact Worthing Hospital’s switchboard on 01903 205111. Ward reception desks can also confirm any exceptions or special arrangements in advance, helping to avoid confusion or wasted journeys.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one in hospital is one of the most important ways to offer comfort and support. At Worthing Hospital, visiting times for adult inpatient wards are set between 10 am and 8 pm daily, with compassionate exceptions for patients receiving end-of-life care.
Maternity wards follow a slightly different routine, allowing birth partners 24/7 access and welcoming other visitors from 2 pm to 8 pm.
By following these guidelines Hospitalvisittimes.com such as limiting numbers at the bedside, observing infection-control measures, and coordinating with ward staff visitors can help ensure patients receive the best balance of rest, care, and family support.
If you’re planning your visit, always confirm specific details with the ward, as some specialist areas may differ from the general guidance. Staying informed helps you make the most of your time with your loved ones while respecting hospital policies.
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