Curious about Ipswich Hospital visiting times and how best to plan your visit?
Knowing the right times and guidelines can make all the difference when arranging to see a loved one, ensuring that every visit is convenient and respectful of hospital policies.
Clear information on visiting hours helps you avoid unnecessary confusion and makes the experience smoother for both patients and guests.
Here’s what you need to know for a seamless visit to Ipswich Hospital.
Ipswich Hospital Visiting Times

Understanding the visiting hours at Ipswich Hospital is essential for planning your visit effectively.
This section provides detailed information on the standard visiting times and any exceptions to ensure a smooth experience.
Standard Visiting Times
Ipswich Hospital has established specific visiting hours to balance patient care with the benefits of having visitors. The general Ipswich Hospital visiting times are as follows:
- General Wards: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Critical Care Units: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
These hours are designed to provide ample opportunity for visitors while ensuring patients receive necessary rest and medical attention.
It’s important to note that visiting hours exclude protected mealtimes unless you are supporting a patient with feeding. Please check these times with the nurse in charge before your visit.
Exceptions to Standard Hours
Certain wards within Ipswich Hospital may have specific visiting times that differ from the general schedule. For instance, Brantham Ward (Emergency Assessment Unit) allows visitors from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Additionally, some exceptions may apply; please double-check with the team/nurse in charge of the ward you plan to visit.
It’s advisable to contact the specific ward or consult with hospital staff to confirm visiting times, as they may vary based on patient needs and hospital policies.
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Visiting Guidelines and Policies
To ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff, Ipswich Hospital has put in place a set of visiting guidelines and policies.
Following these guidelines helps create a supportive environment for recovery and keeps patients protected.
Below is a breakdown of the primary policies, covering the number of visitors allowed, health and safety measures, and special considerations for particular wards.
Number of Visitors
Ipswich Hospital has a visitor limit to manage space effectively and minimise disruptions to patient care.
Here are the guidelines for the number of visitors allowed:
- General Wards: Up to two visitors at a time.
- Critical Care Units: Up to two visitors per patient, with the possibility of reduced visiting times based on patient needs.
These restrictions are designed to maintain a peaceful environment, reducing noise and activity that might disturb patients.
It’s recommended to coordinate visiting times with other family members or friends to ensure all loved ones have a chance to visit without exceeding the allowed number.
Health and Safety Measures
To protect patients and visitors, Ipswich Hospital follows several health and safety protocols:
- Face Masks: Visitors are required to wear surgical face masks covering their nose and mouth in certain high-risk areas. These masks help minimise the risk of spreading infectious illnesses within the hospital.
- Symptom-Free Requirement: Visitors should not enter the hospital if they feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as a cough or cold. If recently unwell, visitors should wait until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours before visiting.
- Hand Hygiene: All visitors are encouraged to sanitise their hands upon entering and exiting the hospital. Hand sanitising stations are placed at key points to promote this practice.
These safety measures align with NHS guidelines to provide a secure, hygienic environment for everyone. Adhering to these practices not only protects vulnerable patients but also supports overall public health within the hospital.
Special Considerations
Ipswich Hospital provides additional guidance for visitors in particular wards or situations:
- Maternity Wards: Special allowances are made for birthing partners and close family members. Visitors to the maternity ward should check with the hospital to understand specific policies around birth and antenatal visits.
- Children’s Wards: Two parents or carers may stay with a child, including overnight. Other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, can arrange visits with approval from the ward team.
- Palliative Care: For patients receiving end-of-life care, Ipswich Hospital may allow extended visiting hours or additional visitors to provide family support during this time. It’s best to speak with the nursing staff directly to understand what arrangements can be made.
These considerations ensure that visitors to different wards have clear information on what is allowed, making visits more manageable and supportive for both patients and their loved ones.
Contact Information for Ipswich Hospital
For any queries about visiting times, specific ward arrangements, or general information about Ipswich Hospital, the hospital’s contact details are readily available to help guide visitors and ensure they have accurate, up-to-date information.
Here are the main contact points for Ipswich Hospital, along with directions for contacting specific wards.
Main Contact Details
If you have general questions or need information on visiting times, please use the following contact details for Ipswich Hospital:
- Address: Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5PD (Google Maps)
- Phone: +44 1473 712233
The main reception at Ipswich Hospital can assist with general inquiries, provide guidance on specific ward visiting policies, and direct calls to appropriate departments as needed.
For precise visiting guidelines and any potential restrictions, calling ahead is recommended, especially if planning a visit to a ward with specific policies, such as the maternity or children’s wards.
Ward-Specific Contacts
For visitors needing detailed information about a particular ward, it may be helpful to reach out directly to that department.
This allows visitors to confirm any unique visiting hours or requirements related to the specific needs of the ward. Some commonly contacted wards include:
- Brantham Ward (Emergency Assessment Unit): Provides details on special visiting arrangements for urgent and acute care.
- Maternity Ward: Can offer guidance on birthing partner policies and antenatal visit protocols.
- Children’s Ward: Provides information on parental stay allowances and arrangements for visits by siblings or extended family.
- Critical Care Unit: Information on specific guidelines for visiting high-dependency areas.
To get the contact information for a particular ward, you can visit Ipswich Hospital’s online directory or call the main hospital number, where staff will direct you to the appropriate ward or department.
Using these contact resources enables visitors to confirm all relevant information before arrival, making visits to Ipswich Hospital smoother and more straightforward.
Understanding Ipswich Hospital visiting times helps make your visit smooth and ensures a positive experience for both you and your loved ones. Keeping informed about the latest guidelines can help you plan effectively and avoid any disruptions.
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