Understanding St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours is essential for anyone planning to visit a patient at this renowned London hospital. Knowing the right times ensures that your visit is both convenient and supportive for the patient’s well-being.
St Thomas Hospital visiting hours have been established to balance patient care with family support. These hours can vary depending on the ward or any special circumstances related to patient needs.
In addition to the general visiting hours, certain departments like the ICU and maternity wards have unique guidelines. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these specific rules of St Thomas Hospital visiting hours to avoid any disruptions during your visit.
Moreover, health and safety measures, such as those related to COVID-19, may impact your visit. Staying informed about these guidelines will help protect both the patients and yourself during St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours.
St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours
The St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours are primarily set from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM, offering a balanced schedule that allows visitors to spend quality time with their loved ones while ensuring patients have ample time for rest and recovery.
These hours are standard across most adult inpatient wards, providing a consistent visiting window for family and friends.
However, there are exceptions to these standard hours based on specific patient needs or ward requirements.
For instance, in cases where patients are in critical condition, or specific departments like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are involved, the visiting hours may be more flexible or restricted.
It’s always advisable to contact the hospital or the specific ward directly to confirm the exact visiting times before planning your visit.
This ensures that visitors can comply with any specific guidelines and support the hospital’s efforts in maintaining optimal care and safety for all patients.
Other United Kingdom Hospital Visiting Hours: Warrington Hospital
Specific Guidelines for Different Wards
The St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours vary depending on the specific ward you plan to visit, with different guidelines tailored to meet the unique needs of each department.
For general adult inpatient wards, the standard visiting hours are from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM, but these can differ significantly in specialized units like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or maternity wards.
Intensive Care Units (ICU)
The Intensive Care Units (ICU) at St Thomas Hospital have specific guidelines designed to ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of critically ill patients.
The St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours for the ICU are more restrictive compared to other wards due to the need for a calm and controlled environment.
Typically, ICU visits are limited to two visitors at a time, and visits may be further restricted during certain times, such as shift changes or medical procedures.
The St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours for the ICU usually occur between 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, where the medical team hands off important patient information to the next shift.
Maternity and Pediatric Wards
The Maternity and Pediatric Wards at St Thomas Hospital have specific guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of both patients and visitors. For the maternity ward, visiting hours are generally more flexible to support the needs of new mothers and their families.
Typically, birth partners are allowed to stay with the mother throughout labor and delivery. After the birth, family members can visit the postnatal ward, though children under 16 are generally not permitted unless they are the siblings of the newborn.
Understanding these variations in St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours helps ensure a smooth and supportive visit for both patients and visitors.
About St Thomas Hospital
St Thomas Hospital, located in central London, is one of the most renowned medical institutions in the UK, known for its comprehensive healthcare services and rich history.
As part of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital offers a wide range of medical specialties, from general care to highly specialized treatments.
This institution has been a cornerstone of healthcare in London for centuries, providing care through modern facilities and state-of-the-art medical technology.
Understanding the St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours is crucial for anyone planning to visit patients. The hospital is committed to balancing patient care with family support, and the visiting hours are designed to reflect this.
Visitors are encouraged to check with the hospital beforehand to ensure they comply with any specific guidelines or restrictions in place.
St Thomas Hospital COVID-19 Precautions
The COVID-19 and Other Health Precautions at St Thomas Hospital have been carefully implemented to ensure the safety of both patients and visitors.
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, the hospital maintains strict protocols to minimize the risk of infection within its facilities.
These precautions are particularly crucial in sensitive areas such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), maternity wards, and specialized departments where patients are more vulnerable.
Visitors are generally required to wear masks in all clinical areas, and those showing any symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing or a sore throat, are advised not to visit.
In certain departments, particularly where immunocompromised patients are treated, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) like gowns and gloves may be required.
Moreover, the hospital continues to promote hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers, to prevent the spread of infections.
Social distancing measures might also be in place in crowded areas like waiting rooms or cafeterias. These precautions are part of the broader efforts by St Thomas Hospital to protect public health while allowing necessary visits under controlled conditions.
Navigating St Thomas Hospital During Your Visit
Navigating St Thomas Hospital during your visit can be made easier by familiarizing yourself with the hospital’s layout and the various services available.
The hospital is large and can be busy, especially during the designated St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours. To ensure a smooth visit, it’s essential to know the key areas and how to reach them efficiently.
Directions
Getting to St Thomas’ Hospital is straightforward, thanks to its central location in London. The hospital is situated on Westminster Bridge Road, right on the south bank of the River Thames, making it easily accessible by various modes of public transport.
For those traveling by Tube, the nearest stations are Westminster (a 4-minute walk) and Lambeth North (a 7-minute walk). These stations are served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines, providing direct connections to many parts of London.
If you are coming by bus, several routes stop directly at or near the hospital, including lines 11, 148, 77, and C10. The St Thomas Hospital / A & E Department bus stop is only a 2-minute walk from the hospital’s main entrance.
If you prefer to use the River Bus, the Westminster Pier is just an 8-minute walk from the hospital. This makes for a scenic and efficient option, particularly if you’re coming from other riverside locations.
Parking
Parking at St Thomas’ Hospital is available but limited, so it’s recommended to plan accordingly if you intend to drive. The hospital’s main car park is accessible via Lambeth Palace Road and operates 24 hours a day.
The cost is approximately £3.20 per hour, and you pay at machines located near the main entrances before exiting. The parking is “pay on exit,” meaning you’ll need to enter your vehicle registration into a payment machine, which will calculate your fee.
For those with disabilities, there are designated Blue Badge parking bays available, and parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
To claim free parking, you need to present your Blue Badge and your appointment letter at the Knowledge and Information Centre (KIC) during regular hours or at the main reception after hours.
Accessibility Features
St Thomas’ Hospital is equipped with a range of accessibility features designed to ensure that all patients and visitors, including those with disabilities, can navigate the facility comfortably.
The hospital provides step-free access throughout its main entrances, including the North Wing and Lambeth Wing, making it easier for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to enter and move around the hospital.
Inside the hospital, there are accessible lifts that connect all the floors, with tactile markings and Braille for the visually impaired. These lifts are located in key areas such as the South Wing and Lambeth Wing corridors.
For those with hearing impairments, induction loops are available at the main reception to assist with communication, and signers can be arranged upon request to support patients during their visit.
St Thomas Hospital Visitor Services and Amenities
St Thomas’ Hospital offers a range of visitor services and amenities to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
If you’re visiting during the designated St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours (generally from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM), you’ll find several options for food, shopping, and even accommodation within the hospital.
Food and Refreshments
For dining, there are multiple cafes and restaurants on-site. The M&S Café and Costa Coffee are located near the main entrance and are open 24 hours a day, providing convenient options for snacks and meals at any time.
Accommodation Options
If you need to stay overnight, the hospital provides on-site accommodation through the River-View Apartments, which offer comfortable, fully equipped spaces with views of the River Thames.
These apartments can be booked for both short and long-term stays, making them ideal for visitors who need to be close to their loved ones during extended treatments.
Shops and Other Services
For shopping, the hospital has a WHSmith and an M&S Simply Food store, as well as a Stock Shop that sells women’s clothing and essentials. These are all located near the main entrance, allowing visitors to pick up necessities without leaving the hospital.
These amenities ensure that your visit to St Thomas’ Hospital is as convenient and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on supporting your loved ones during their hospital stay.
Contact Information of St Thomas Hospital
If you need to contact for any inquiries, including confirming St Thomas Hospital Visiting Hours, there are several ways to get in touch. The main contact number for the hospital is as follows:
- Main Contact Number: 020 7188 7188
- Physical Address: Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH
- Official Website: Guys and St Thomas
If you need more specific details, such as ward phone numbers or information on services, it’s often best to visit the hospital’s official website or consult with the main reception upon arrival.
They can provide you with up-to-date information on visiting hours, including any recent changes due to health and safety protocols.