Preston Hospital Visiting Times – Are you planning a visit to a loved one at Royal Preston Hospital but unsure of the current visiting hours and regulations? With changing hospital policies due to health protocols, it’s essential to stay informed about Preston Hospital visiting times to avoid any confusion or last-minute changes.
Visiting a patient is a crucial way to offer emotional support, but many are left wondering about the specifics what time should they visit, and what guidelines must they follow? Understanding the Preston Hospital visiting times is key to making your visit smooth and stress-free.
This article outlines everything you need to know about visiting hours, safety requirements, and specific guidelines for different wards. Whether you’re visiting the maternity unit, a critical care patient, or attending a routine visit, these details will ensure you’re prepared and compliant.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the visiting rules and how to plan your visit effectively.
Preston Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting times at Royal Preston Hospital provide flexibility for family members and carers to see their loved ones.
General visiting hours have been extended to give more time for visits, ensuring that the process fits into the schedules of visitors with various commitments.
General Visiting Hours
Visitors are allowed between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm daily for most wards. This time frame helps ensure a smooth flow of visitors while allowing patients sufficient rest between visitations.
It’s important to note that some wards may have specific variations in these timings, depending on patient needs and treatments.
Requirements for Visiting
- Negative COVID-19 Test: All visitors must provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test before entering the ward.
- PPE and Masks: Visitors are required to wear face masks, and additional PPE may be recommended by staff, especially in critical care or high-risk wards.
- Social Distancing: Visitors are expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines throughout their visit.
Special Provisions for Certain Wards
Special arrangements are in place for certain wards like maternity, neonatal, and end-of-life care:
- Maternity Ward: Two birthing partners are allowed during labour, and one support person can stay throughout postnatal care.
- Neonatal Unit: Both parents are allowed to visit, though other visitors may have limited access.
- End-of-Life Care: Up to two nominated visitors are permitted for patients in end-of-life care, ensuring essential emotional support.
Other United Kingdom Hospital Visiting Hours:
| Princess Royal University Hospital | Cromwell Hospital |
| Royal Sussex County Hospital | Northwick Park Hospital |
Visiting Times for Different Wards
Visiting hours can vary depending on the specific ward in Royal Preston Hospital. Certain wards, especially those catering to critical care or maternity, have their own tailored visiting policies. It’s important to understand these differences to ensure a smooth visiting experience.
Critical Care Unit Visiting Hours
The Critical Care Unit at Royal Preston Hospital has more flexible visiting arrangements compared to standard wards.
Visitors are often allowed outside of the regular 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm visiting hours, but it’s recommended to confirm specific times with the nursing team in advance. This ensures that visitors do not interfere with any medical treatments or patient care routines.
Key points for critical care visiting include:
- Visits may need to be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
- It’s advised to discuss with the ward about the best times for visiting, as treatment schedules can affect availability.
Maternity and Children’s Wards
For maternity wards, the visiting hours are extended to accommodate the needs of both patients and their families.
Two birthing partners can be present during labour and birth. Following delivery, one support person is allowed to stay on the postnatal ward around the clock.
The Children’s Ward allows both parents or guardians to be present with their child at any time. This ensures that children in care receive the emotional and physical support they need from their family.
Booking Visits in Advance
To ensure safety and accommodate the current healthcare protocols, Royal Preston Hospital requires visitors to pre-book their visits.
This allows the hospital to manage the number of visitors and maintain social distancing, ensuring that patients, staff, and visitors are all protected.
How to Schedule a Visit
To schedule a visit, it’s essential to contact the relevant ward directly. Visitors must book their appointments in advance, and each patient is typically allowed one visitor per day for a maximum of one hour.
Visits are typically held between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, though exceptions can be made based on ward availability.
The booking process generally involves:
- Calling the hospital’s main reception or the specific ward.
- Confirming the availability of visiting slots.
- Providing any necessary information, such as the patient’s name and your relationship to them.
Changes Due to COVID-19 Restrictions
COVID-19 safety measures have brought about certain restrictions:
- Lateral Flow Test: Visitors must present a negative lateral flow test taken before arriving at the hospital.
- Face Masks and PPE: Compliance with mask-wearing and PPE protocols is required at all times.
- Virtual Visits: If in-person visits are not possible due to COVID-related restrictions, virtual alternatives like FaceTime may be arranged directly with the ward.
Additional Visitor Guidelines
Visitors to Royal Preston Hospital must follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and other visitors.
These guidelines are especially important in light of ongoing health concerns and help minimize the risk of infection while ensuring smooth visits.
Health and Safety Measures
All visitors are expected to comply with the hospital’s health and safety protocols, which are designed to limit the spread of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19:
- Face Masks: Unless exempt, visitors must wear a surgical face mask throughout their visit. The hospital provides masks upon arrival if needed.
- Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing or using hand sanitiser stations is mandatory. This helps reduce the risk of spreading germs.
- Social Distancing: Visitors should maintain appropriate social distancing, especially in common areas like receptions or hallways.
- Visitor Exclusions: Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, or who has been in close contact with a COVID-positive individual, is asked not to visit the hospital.
Parking and Transportation Information
For those driving to Royal Preston Hospital, there are convenient parking facilities available:
- Parking Spaces: The hospital provides free parking for visitors. If the hospital’s lot is full, additional parking is available at a nearby location, such as the Sainsbury’s superstore.
- Shuttle Service: A free shuttle service is available between Preston Business Centre and the hospital, providing an easy transportation option for visitors who park offsite.
Location: Google Maps
Ensuring you understand the Preston Hospital visiting times is vital for planning your visit effectively and providing your loved ones with the support they need.
By following the guidelines on visiting hours, safety protocols, and ward-specific requirements, you can make your visit smoother and stress-free.
If you need further information or want to confirm any specific details before your visit, contact the hospital directly or visit their official website for updates. Stay informed, and plan your next visit with confidence!