York Hospital visiting times for general wards are currently set from 2 pm to 8 pm daily, with a maximum of two visitors allowed at a time. These hours apply to most adult inpatient wards, while departments like maternity, ICU, and children’s wards follow their own flexible guidelines.
Wondering when and how to visit a loved one at York Hospital? With updated policies across the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, it’s crucial to know the latest rules before planning your trip.
Whether you’re visiting a newborn, supporting a parent in intensive care, or accompanying a child, this guide explains everything you need clearly and accurately.
All information is based on NHS Trust policies as of mid-2025, ensuring your visit is safe, respectful, and within hospital guidelines.
York Hospital Visiting Times
Standard Ward Hours & Rules
York Hospital’s general visiting hours run from 2 pm to 8 pm every day, offering family and friends a consistent window to visit inpatients across most adult wards.
These hours are designed to balance patient rest and recovery with the emotional support that visitors provide. Visitors are encouraged to plan their arrival during these core hours and avoid overcrowding, especially during early evenings when more guests tend to arrive.
Each patient is typically allowed two visitors at a time. While additional visitors are welcome throughout the day, they must rotate to ensure only two individuals are present at the bedside. Hospital staff may occasionally advise reduced visits during periods of patient fatigue or medical treatment.
Visitors must sit on chairs provided, rather than on patient beds, to maintain hygiene and avoid cross-contamination. Chairs are usually available in each bay or room, and visitors can request assistance if none are available nearby.
It’s also important to check with the individual ward before travelling, as visiting times may vary slightly depending on specific patient care needs or operational changes.
Who Can Visit & How Many at a Time?
At York Hospital, the visitor policy prioritises both patient wellbeing and public health. Typically, two visitors per patient are permitted at any given time across general wards.
This helps maintain a calm and orderly environment, especially in shared rooms or high-dependency units where space and infection control are critical.
Close family members, friends, carers, or spiritual advisors are all welcome, provided the patient consents to the visit. Children are also allowed, but it is recommended that they be over the age of 5 and supervised at all times. In some wards, such as maternity or paediatrics, younger children may be admitted under specific arrangements.
If more than two visitors arrive together, they’ll be asked to rotate in and out of the room to ensure compliance with ward rules.
In certain scenarios such as end-of-life care or exceptional family needs ward staff may permit longer visits or additional guests, but this must be discussed in advance.
Visitors are also reminded to avoid visiting if they feel unwell, especially if experiencing cold, flu, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
The hospital aims to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a safe healing environment for all patients.
Ward-Specific Visiting Guidelines
Maternity Ward
Visiting times for the maternity units at York Hospital are tailored to accommodate both recovery and bonding time between new mothers and their babies.
The hospital has two main maternity areas G2 and Hawthorn ward each supporting a slightly different patient journey, from antenatal to postnatal care.
Partners or designated support persons are welcome from 8 am to 8 pm daily. While overnight stays are not generally permitted, partners are encouraged to remain until the mother and baby are settled in the evening, particularly on the first night post-delivery.
There are no facilities for overnight accommodation on the wards, but compassionate exceptions may be considered.
Other friends and family, such as grandparents or siblings, can visit during two set time slots: 3 pm–4:30 pm and 7 pm–8 pm. A maximum of two additional visitors may accompany the partner during these hours, ensuring privacy and comfort for all new families on the ward.
To protect vulnerable newborns, all visitors must practise strict hand hygiene and avoid visiting if unwell. Young siblings may visit with prior approval, but are expected to remain closely supervised at all times.
The maternity team at York Hospital encourages respectful visiting to create a calm, safe, and supportive environment for new mothers and their babies.
Children’s Ward & SCBU
Visiting policies for York Hospital’s Children’s Ward and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) are designed with family involvement and child-centred care at their core. The hospital understands the crucial role that family presence plays in a child’s recovery and emotional wellbeing.
Parents and primary carers are welcome to visit at any time, 24/7, regardless of the ward their child is admitted to. This open access policy ensures that children feel supported and comforted throughout their hospital stay. One parent is often encouraged to stay overnight when appropriate, and provisions such as recliner chairs or fold-out beds are available in many rooms.
Other family members, such as grandparents, siblings, or friends, may visit daily between 2 pm and 8 pm, in line with general ward timings. Up to four visitors are allowed at any one time, but it is recommended to limit numbers to avoid overwhelming the child or disrupting the ward.
For infants in SCBU, both parents or guardians can visit at any hour, including overnight if required. Visiting by extended family members is more limited and must be arranged with the unit’s staff in advance.
Due to the vulnerability of babies in neonatal care, strict hygiene rules apply including the use of hand sanitiser, gowns, and sometimes face masks.
Children under 18 visiting the wards must be closely supervised at all times, and visits may be restricted during outbreaks or when a child is in isolation.
Intensive Care & High-Risk Areas
Visiting in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and other high-dependency areas at York Hospital is more carefully managed than in general wards. Due to the critical nature of patient care in these departments, visiting is by arrangement only, and typically coordinated directly with the nursing or medical team.
Relatives and close friends are encouraged to call ahead before arriving. Most visits are permitted during flexible daytime hours, though the hospital advises avoiding shift changeovers (usually around 1–2 pm and 7–8 pm) to minimise disruption to patient handovers.
In ICU and other high-risk areas, only two visitors are allowed at a time, and sometimes only one, depending on the patient’s condition.
Visitors may be asked to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns or masks, especially when infection control is required or the patient is immunocompromised.
The hospital recognises the emotional toll these visits can have and allows extra flexibility for end-of-life care, where families may be granted extended or overnight access. Spiritual care services can also be arranged upon request.
Visitors must sanitise hands upon entry and exit, avoid touching medical equipment, and follow all staff instructions during the visit. These measures help ensure a safe environment for both patients and healthcare staff.
Visiting A&E or Emergency Patients
Unlike scheduled inpatient wards, the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department at York Hospital does not follow standard visiting hours. Access to patients is assessed on a case-by-case basis and largely depends on clinical circumstances, patient safety, and department capacity.
For adult patients, one companion such as a spouse, relative, or carer is generally allowed to accompany the individual during their time in A&E. This person may be asked to remain in the waiting area during medical assessments, particularly if space is limited or patient privacy is required.
In the case of paediatric patients, both parents or guardians are usually permitted to stay throughout the emergency care process. Staff aim to keep family units together wherever possible, especially when a child may be distressed or undergoing urgent treatment.
However, visitors should be aware that clinical needs take priority, and during busy periods or emergency situations, access may be temporarily restricted. Visitors might also be asked to wait outside the department if the patient is undergoing procedures or requires isolation.
It is strongly advised to call ahead if you’re planning to accompany someone to A&E and are unsure of the department’s current policy. The staff will do their best to accommodate visitors while ensuring care is delivered safely and efficiently.
Visiting During Outbreaks or Restrictions
When Visiting May Be Suspended
At times, York Hospital may temporarily suspend or restrict visiting due to infectious outbreaks such as norovirus, COVID-19, or seasonal flu. These measures are introduced to protect vulnerable patients and healthcare workers from rapid virus transmission within the hospital setting.
When visiting is suspended, exceptions are made for specific cases:
- Patients receiving end-of-life care
- Children and neonatal patients
- Patients with learning disabilities or dementia, especially when supported by a familiar carer
- Maternity ward partners, in support of bonding and recovery
During restricted periods, the hospital updates its visiting policies on the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust website and through local media or social media channels. It’s essential to check the latest advice before travelling, particularly if there has been a local rise in infection rates.
Staff will support virtual visits during lockdown periods by helping patients connect with families through hospital-provided tablets or by encouraging telephone contact. Wards can sometimes arrange brief, supervised visits under controlled conditions, but these are by prior arrangement only.
Visitors are encouraged to be patient and understanding during such periods, as all restrictions aim to prioritise patient safety.
COVID-19, Flu, and Norovirus Rules
To minimise the risk of infection during seasonal surges or active outbreaks, York Hospital maintains strict policies concerning COVID-19, flu, and norovirus. These rules are based on NHS guidance and tailored to suit the hospital’s capacity and patient demographics.
Face coverings are not currently required across all hospital areas; however, they may be mandated in high-risk wards such as ICU, oncology, and SCBU during periods of increased respiratory illness. Visitors should always follow signs at the entrance and instructions from staff regarding masks.
If you have symptoms of any infectious illness such as cough, fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea you must avoid visiting for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Norovirus and flu are especially contagious in healthcare settings, and outbreaks can lead to ward closures.
During periods of high community infection rates:
- Visitors may be limited to one per patient or specific time slots.
- Children under 12 may not be allowed to visit unless they are siblings of a paediatric patient.
- You may be asked to provide details for contact tracing.
The hospital provides hand sanitising stations at all entry points and encourages their use on arrival, before and after visits, and before touching any patient belongings.
Following these precautions helps protect vulnerable patients and ensures continued access to loved ones during difficult periods.
Carers, Overnight Stays & Special Circumstances
John’s Campaign & Flexible Access
York Hospital supports John’s Campaign, an initiative that promotes the rights of people with dementia to be accompanied by carers throughout their hospital stay.
As part of this commitment, carers are recognised not as visitors, but as essential partners in care especially when the patient has cognitive impairments, communication difficulties, or other vulnerabilities.
Carers may be permitted flexible visiting hours and, in some cases, overnight stays, depending on the patient’s needs and ward capacity. To arrange this, carers should speak with the nurse in charge or ward manager, who will assess and coordinate access on a case-by-case basis.
Documentation is not usually required, but it is helpful to inform staff of the carer’s role early during admission. Where appropriate, carers are encouraged to support with personal care, emotional reassurance, and meal assistance.
York Hospital also applies these flexible access principles to patients with:
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- Mental health conditions
- Language or cultural barriers
These arrangements aim to ensure patient dignity, comfort, and safety while maintaining necessary clinical standards.
End-of-Life Visits
York Hospital takes a compassionate and flexible approach when a patient is receiving end-of-life care. In these situations, visiting restrictions are eased to prioritise the emotional needs of both patients and their loved ones.
There are no strict time limits placed on end-of-life visits. Families may visit outside regular hours, and multiple relatives may be present at the bedside, depending on space and patient condition.
Staff will make every effort to provide a private room where possible, and relatives may be offered recliner chairs or overnight arrangements if they wish to remain close.
In these deeply sensitive circumstances, the hospital welcomes the presence of:
- Immediate family and close friends
- Spiritual advisors or chaplains
- Professional carers, where applicable
Visitors are encouraged to speak with the ward team to coordinate their visits and make use of bereavement support services provided by the Trust. Hygiene protocols remain important but are balanced with compassion and dignity in these final moments.
This approach reflects York Hospital’s ethos of person-centred care, even in the most challenging and emotional circumstances.
Infection Control & Behaviour Expectations
Hand Hygiene, Masking & Smoking Policy
York Hospital enforces strict infection prevention measures to protect both patients and visitors. All guests are expected to sanitise their hands on entering and exiting the hospital, as well as before and after any patient contact. Alcohol-based hand gel dispensers are positioned throughout the hospital, especially at ward entrances and bedside stations.
Face masks are not currently required in general areas, but may still be mandatory in specific departments like ICU, oncology, or during flu season. If masks are requested, visitors must wear them properly over the nose and mouth throughout their time in the affected area.
The hospital operates a completely smoke-free policy. Smoking is prohibited both inside and outside all buildings, including car parks and entrances. Vaping is only permitted in designated outdoor spaces and must be done well away from entrances or public pathways.
Visitors should also avoid bringing food, drink, or large items into the wards unless previously agreed with nursing staff. These measures help maintain a clean, safe environment for all patients, many of whom are immunocompromised or recovering from surgery.
Hospital staff are authorised to refuse or limit visits from individuals who fail to comply with hygiene rules or act in a disruptive manner.
Bringing Children or Vulnerable Adults
Visitors may bring children or vulnerable adults to York Hospital, but certain precautions and permissions must be followed to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
Children under 16 are generally allowed to visit most wards but must be closely supervised at all times. In high-dependency areas like ICU or SCBU, children’s visits must be pre-arranged with the ward and may be limited based on patient condition or infection control needs. For maternity and paediatric wards, siblings are often welcome, though infants and toddlers may require special approval.
Children should only visit if they are well and symptom-free, especially during cold, flu, or virus seasons. If there has been recent contact with infectious diseases like chickenpox or norovirus, the visit should be postponed.
For vulnerable adults including those with cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, or mental health needs visits can usually go ahead as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Hospital staff can help make appropriate adjustments to ensure a safe and supportive experience, such as arranging accessible seating or offering quiet waiting areas.
Visitors should inform the ward team in advance if they plan to bring dependants so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Conclusion
Visiting a loved one at York Hospital is a valuable and often emotional experience. With standard visiting hours from 2 pm to 8 pm across most wards and more flexible arrangements for maternity, children’s care, ICU, and end-of-life situations, the hospital aims to balance emotional support with clinical care.
It’s important to follow the Trust’s infection control measures, plan visits in advance, and respect any temporary restrictions during outbreaks.
Carers and family members are encouraged to discuss special arrangements directly with ward staff to ensure compassionate and safe access.
Whether you’re supporting a new mother, comforting a child, or spending precious time with a terminally ill relative, understanding and respecting the hospital’s guidelines ensures a more positive and meaningful visit.
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