Homerton Hospital Visiting Times – What time should you visit a loved one at Homerton Hospital? Knowing the Homerton Hospital visiting times can save you from missing crucial visiting hours and ensure that your visit is well-timed and respectful. This guide will help you navigate the hospital’s schedule with ease.
Visitors to Homerton Hospital need clarity on specific ward visiting hours, especially during weekends and in specialised units such as the Maternity Ward or ICU. Understanding these schedules is essential for supporting patients while complying with hospital policies.
With restrictions and protocols in place due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the rules surrounding hospital visits. This article breaks down the Homerton Hospital visiting times and additional guidelines to ensure a safe and informed visit.
Whether you’re visiting during standard hours or have special circumstances, this guide will provide the exact information you need. Let’s dive into the details of the Homerton Hospital visiting times to make your visit smooth and stress-free.
Homerton Hospital Visiting Times
Homerton Hospital offers a flexible visiting schedule for most wards, ensuring that patients can receive support from loved ones during their recovery. Understanding the visiting times will help you plan your visit more efficiently.
Standard Ward Visiting Hours
For the majority of wards, visiting hours are between 12 PM and 8 PM daily. Visitors are generally limited to two people per patient at a time.
These guidelines ensure that patients can rest and recover without being overwhelmed by too many visitors at once, while still offering flexibility for family and friends to visit.
Special Considerations for Weekend Visits
On weekends, visiting hours may vary slightly. For instance, some wards allow visits from 11 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, giving visitors more time to spend with patients during these less busy days.
Other United Kingdom Hospital Visiting Hours:
| Princess Royal University Hospital | Cromwell Hospital |
| Royal Sussex County Hospital | Northwick Park Hospital |
Visiting Times for Specific Wards
Certain wards at Homerton Hospital have specific visiting schedules that differ from the general hours.
This ensures that patients receive the right balance between support from their loved ones and the medical care they need.
Maternity Unit Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Maternity Unit are structured to ensure the health and safety of both mothers and newborns. Visiting is allowed from 8 AM to 1 PM, where one adult is permitted.
After a rest period between 1 PM and 3 PM, visiting resumes from 3 PM to 8 PM, allowing two visitors per patient. This schedule helps ensure that mothers and babies can rest while also providing time for family support.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visiting Hours
In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), visiting is restricted to two visitors per patient at any one time. The visiting hours are from 12 PM to 8 PM, but exceptions can be made for special circumstances, such as end-of-life care. Visitors may need to follow stricter hygiene protocols to ensure patient safety.
Neonatal and Paediatric Wards
For the Neonatal and Paediatric Wards, parents and guardians typically have more flexible visiting arrangements. Parents are allowed to visit at any time, while other visitors must adhere to specific hours, often between 12:30 PM and 7 PM.
It’s advisable to check with the ward for specific guidelines, particularly when planning visits with children.
COVID-19 Protocols for Visiting
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Homerton Hospital implemented strict protocols to protect both patients and visitors. These measures are still in place to ensure safety, especially in sensitive areas such as COVID wards and the Emergency Department.
COVID-19 Ward Visiting Guidelines
In COVID wards, visiting restrictions are more stringent. Visitors are limited to one named individual who can visit from Day 6 of the patient’s admission.
The same visitor is required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask, gloves, and apron, during the visit. Visitors are also encouraged to take regular lateral flow tests to minimise the risk of virus transmission.
Visiting Restrictions in Emergency Department (A&E)
The Emergency Department (A&E) has additional restrictions in place. Only one relative or family member is allowed to accompany the patient, and even then, only under exceptional circumstances.
These restrictions are in place to reduce crowding and minimise the risk of spreading infection within a high-traffic area.
Guidelines for Safe and Respectful Visiting
Ensuring a safe and respectful environment during your visit to Homerton Hospital is important not only for patient care but also for infection control. Following these guidelines will help you make your visit safe and comfortable for everyone.
Infection Prevention Protocols
Visitors are required to adhere to strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infections within the hospital. This includes using alcohol-based hand sanitisers when entering and leaving wards and avoiding visits if you feel unwell.
Additionally, for certain wards like the ICU or COVID units, extra precautions such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) are mandatory.
Key infection prevention practices:
- Wash your hands before and after visiting.
- Use alcohol gel stations located at ward entrances.
- Refrain from visiting if you have any symptoms of illness, such as cough or fever.
Guidelines for Children Visiting Patients
Children are allowed to visit certain wards, but they must always be accompanied by an adult. Younger children may find the hospital environment overwhelming, and they are more vulnerable to infections.
It’s advisable to contact the ward in advance to confirm whether children can visit and what restrictions may apply.
Prohibited Items During Visits
To maintain a safe environment, certain items are not allowed in hospital wards. For example, fresh flowers and potted plants are prohibited due to their potential to carry bacteria that could lead to infections, particularly around sensitive equipment. Check with the ward beforehand if you plan to bring any gifts.
Parking and Transport Information
Visiting Homerton Hospital is made easier with a variety of transport and parking options available for both drivers and those using public transport. Understanding the best ways to reach the hospital will ensure a smooth and stress-free visit.
On-Site Parking at Homerton Hospital
Parking at Homerton Hospital is limited, so it’s important to plan ahead. The hospital offers several pay-and-display parking spaces, but availability is often restricted, particularly during peak hours.
For visitors with disabilities, Blue Badge holders are provided with designated parking spaces near the hospital entrance, with a three-hour maximum stay.
Key details:
- Standard parking: First-come, first-served, with time-limited spots.
- Disabled parking: Blue Badge holders can park closer to the hospital with dedicated bays.
- Charges apply after the first 20 minutes for all vehicles.
Public Transport Options
For those visiting via public transport, Homerton Hospital is well-served by bus routes and is close to Homerton Overground Station, making it convenient for visitors from across London.
The hospital is easily accessible by several buses, including services from key areas such as Hackney and Stratford.
Popular public transport options:
- Buses: Several routes stop near the hospital entrance.
- Train: The nearest station is Homerton Overground, within walking distance of the hospital.
Knowing the Homerton Hospital visiting times ensures that you can plan your visit smoothly and follow the necessary guidelines for each ward.
Whether you’re visiting the Maternity Unit, ICU, or general wards, being informed about the visiting schedule and protocols is essential for a hassle-free experience.
For more details on Homerton Hospital visiting times, feel free to check with the hospital directly or visit their website. Stay updated and ensure a safe, timely visit by following the rules provided.