Furness General Hospital Visiting Times 2025

Furness General Hospital visiting times can be confusing if you’re unsure when to see your loved ones, so when exactly are you allowed to visit?

Knowing the correct schedule helps avoid wasted trips and ensures your visit doesn’t disrupt medical routines.

Furness General Hospital Visiting Times

The general Furness General Hospital visiting times for most wards are divided into afternoon and evening sessions. These time slots are structured to accommodate the daily routines of patients, ensuring they have sufficient time to rest and undergo medical care.

Standard Visiting Schedule:

Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Visitor Limit: No more than two visitors per patient at any one time

These Furness General Hospital visiting times help maintain a peaceful and manageable ward environment. Visitors are encouraged to arrive on time and respect these time limits to avoid disrupting other patients’ care schedules.

Ward-Specific Visiting Times at Furness General Hospital

Understanding the specific Furness General Hospital visiting times for each ward is essential to avoid disruption and ensure you arrive during permitted hours.

Each ward has its own schedule based on patient needs and clinical operations. Below is a breakdown of ward-specific visiting hours and guidelines.

Medical Wards

Visiting times at Furness General Hospital’s medical wards are carefully arranged to align with routine care activities such as medication, physiotherapy, and rest periods.

These visiting windows offer families the opportunity to support patients without compromising their recovery.

Visiting hours for medical wards:

Ward 6: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ward 7 & Ward 9: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Acute Medical Unit (AMU): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
High Dependency Unit (HDU): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Oncology Unit: Open visiting allowed, but advisable to check with staff
Patient Progression Unit: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Coronary Care & Complex Care: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

If you are visiting someone in a medical ward, be aware that restrictions may apply for infection control reasons. The hospital encourages phone calls before visits, especially for units like the HDU or Oncology, where patient conditions may require special arrangements.

Surgical Wards

Surgical wards at Furness General Hospital require a structured visiting schedule to allow patients optimal time for post-operative care and recovery. Visitors should observe these times strictly and keep visits calm and brief.

Visiting schedule:

Ward 1 (Gynaecology): 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ward 2 (Orthopaedics): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ward 4 & Ward 5: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Day Unit: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (no visits allowed on surgery day)

For surgical units, visitors are asked to:

Avoid bringing flowers or strong fragrances
Refrain from discussing medical details in front of other patients
Limit children’s presence unless discussed beforehand with nursing staff

Respecting the scheduled Furness General Hospital visiting times for surgical wards allows patients to rest and receive proper wound care without interruptions.

Maternity Ward

The maternity ward has more flexible visiting rules to support bonding and emotional wellbeing, especially for new mothers and their partners.

Maternity ward visiting hours:

Partners: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Other visitors: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Midwives may advise restrictions based on the mother’s condition or the presence of other high-risk patients. Children and extended family are welcome during designated hours, provided they are accompanied and respectful of patient privacy.

Children’s Ward

In the children’s ward, Furness General Hospital prioritises parental presence. Therefore, visiting is generally unrestricted for parents, although other visitors may need to follow stricter timing and conditions.

Children’s ward guidelines:

Parents/Guardians: Open visiting
Other visitors: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, with permission from parents

This policy ensures young patients feel emotionally supported during hospitalisation. As part of the Furness General Hospital visiting times, visitors are asked to keep noise levels low and ensure children guests do not bring toys that may disturb others.

Special Care Baby Unit

For babies receiving intensive care, the hospital offers open visiting to parents and allows others based on parental discretion.

Parents: No time restrictions
Other family: May visit with prior agreement

Visits to this unit require adherence to strict hygiene protocols. The Furness General Hospital visiting times for neonatal care are designed to support bonding while protecting vulnerable infants.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Due to the critical nature of patients in ICU, visiting hours are more controlled.

ICU visiting times:

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Only immediate family are encouraged to visit. Phone calls before arrival are recommended, as patient conditions may change rapidly. The Furness General Hospital visiting times in ICU are meant to ensure stability for patients while accommodating support from loved ones.

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Visiting Guidelines and Safety Measures

To ensure a safe, respectful, and smooth experience for everyone involved, Furness General Hospital visiting times are accompanied by important guidelines.

These rules are in place to protect the health of patients, staff, and visitors, particularly during flu seasons or ongoing public health concerns.

Infection Control Protocols

Adhering to proper hygiene practices is a priority when visiting any ward at Furness General Hospital. The hospital enforces strict infection control protocols, which all visitors are expected to follow.

Here are key safety rules:

Wash or sanitise hands when entering and leaving the ward
Do not visit if you are feeling unwell, especially with symptoms like fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Face masks may still be required in high-risk wards or during periods of increased infection rates
Visitors to wards with immunocompromised patients, such as Oncology, may need to follow additional PPE guidance

These measures are in place to protect not only the patients but also the staff and the visitors themselves.

It is crucial that all visitors follow the hospital’s hygiene practices during Furness General Hospital visiting times to reduce the risk of infections spreading within clinical areas.

Visitor Conduct Expectations

Beyond medical protocols, Furness General Hospital outlines clear behavioural expectations to maintain a calm and respectful environment. The goal is to minimise stress for patients and help medical staff perform their duties without disruption.

Please observe the following conduct guidelines:

Limit your group to two visitors per patient, in line with ward policy
Speak quietly and switch phones to silent mode
Supervise children at all times and prevent them from running or shouting in patient areas
Do not sit on patient beds or bring outside food unless permitted
Avoid lengthy visits unless authorised by the nurse in charge

Following these rules during Furness General Hospital visiting times helps maintain a peaceful and supportive environment.

Visitors are also encouraged to speak to ward staff if they have any questions or special needs regarding their visit.

Temporary Restrictions and Flexibility

Occasionally, Furness General Hospital visiting times may be altered due to staff shortages, infection outbreaks, or specific ward requirements. In such cases, notices will be posted at ward entrances and updated on the hospital’s official website.

It’s a good idea to:

Call ahead before visiting, especially if you are travelling from outside Barrow-in-Furness
Check the UHMB NHS Trust website for live updates
Respect last-minute changes without challenging staff decisions

Flexibility is key when it comes to visiting during uncertain times. Being understanding ensures that patient care remains the hospital’s top priority while still accommodating visitors as best as possible.

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Getting to Furness General Hospital

Travelling to Furness General Hospital in Barrow-in-Furness is straightforward, whether you’re coming by car, public transport, or even by foot or bicycle.

Understanding how to get there and what to expect can help visitors plan their journey more effectively, especially when timing their arrival around the official Furness General Hospital visiting times.

Hospital Address and Key Details

Furness General Hospital is located in Cumbria, serving the wider Barrow and South Lakes area. Here’s the essential information:

Name: Furness General Hospital
Address: Dalton Lane, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF
Main Contact Number: 01229 870870

It’s advisable to save this number in case you need to confirm Furness General Hospital visiting times before your visit, especially for specific ward-related enquiries or last-minute changes.

Parking and Access for Drivers

If you’re travelling by car, Furness General Hospital provides several parking options, including dedicated bays for disabled badge holders. Here are the current details:

Public car parks available on-site
Blue badge holders can park free of charge in designated spaces
Pay & display system applies, so carry change or a contactless card

Drivers should arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the start of the Furness General Hospital visiting times to allow for parking and walking to the correct ward. Overspill during peak times can occur, especially in the afternoon.

Public Transport Options

Furness General Hospital is well connected by local public transport, with regular bus services and a nearby train station.

By Bus: The Stagecoach number 6 serves the hospital directly from Barrow town centre
By Train: Barrow-in-Furness railway station is roughly 2 miles away; taxis or connecting buses are recommended
By Bicycle: Bicycle racks are available near the main entrance

If you’re visiting during busier hours, such as early evening Furness General Hospital visiting times, you might find public transport the most convenient option, especially to avoid limited parking.

Directions for First-Time Visitors

Here’s a quick guide for navigating from central Barrow to the hospital:

Head northeast on Abbey Road
Turn right onto Rating Lane
Follow signage to Dalton Lane
Hospital main entrance is clearly signposted

Using Google Maps or the hospital’s location on NHS websites will help first-time visitors arrive smoothly and on time for their visit.

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Tips for a Smooth Visit

Whether you’re visiting a loved one recovering from surgery or simply stopping by for emotional support, knowing how to prepare for your trip can make all the difference.

These practical tips will help you maximise your time during Furness General Hospital visiting times while respecting hospital policies and ensuring a calm environment for all.

Plan Your Visit Around Hospital Routines

To make the most of your visit:

Arrive on time, ideally 10–15 minutes before the visiting window starts
Avoid visiting during meal times unless given permission
Coordinate with other family members to avoid overcrowding the ward

Planning your visit in advance ensures you don’t interrupt treatment or ward routines. Checking the ward-specific Furness General Hospital visiting times can help you determine the best time for your visit.

Confirm Visiting Hours with the Hospital

Although most Furness General Hospital visiting times follow a standard schedule, specific wards may have exceptions due to clinical conditions, staffing levels, or patient needs. It’s always a good idea to:

Call the ward receptionist directly on the hospital’s main line: 01229 870870
Use the hospital’s official visiting times page
Check social media or local alerts for temporary restrictions

Getting real-time confirmation avoids wasted trips and ensures you’re respecting any restrictions currently in place.

Prepare for Longer Stays with Essentials

If you’re visiting from out of town or expect a longer visit, bring a few essentials:

A book or magazine to read while waiting
A bottle of water and sanitiser
Small personal items for the patient if permitted (e.g. photos, clean clothes)

Always ask staff before handing anything to patients, especially in ICU or surgical wards. Staying within the rules during Furness General Hospital visiting times ensures everyone’s safety and comfort.

Respect the Needs of Other Patients

Visitors play a role in maintaining a healing environment. Here’s how you can help:

Keep noise to a minimum
Avoid lengthy phone conversations inside patient rooms
Step out if medical staff request privacy

Being courteous not only shows respect to your loved one but also to other patients who are sharing the same space during Furness General Hospital visiting times.

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Contact Information

Having accurate contact information at hand can save time and ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible.

Whether you need to confirm Furness General Hospital visiting times, speak with a specific ward, or ask about temporary restrictions, knowing whom to call and where to look is essential.

Main Hospital Contacts

Furness General Hospital operates under the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT). Here are the most frequently used contact details:

Main Switchboard: 01229 870870
Hospital Address: Dalton Lane, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF
NHS Trust Website: uhmb.nhs.uk

Calling the main number can connect you with a specific ward or department. This is especially helpful if you want to double-check the Furness General Hospital visiting times for a certain unit, or if you’re unsure whether restrictions are currently in place.

When to Contact the Hospital

It’s advised to get in touch with hospital staff in the following situations:

You are visiting a ward with high-dependency or immunocompromised patients (e.g. ICU, Oncology)
You are planning to bring children or more than two visitors
You have accessibility needs or require mobility assistance
You are travelling a long distance and want to confirm your visit is permitted

Making a brief call before leaving home can help prevent unexpected changes from affecting your visit, especially during busy periods or local outbreaks when Furness General Hospital visiting times may be adjusted.

Online Resources and Updates

In addition to calling, visitors can use the following online options for quick reference:

Live visiting time updates on UHMB NHS Trust’s Visiting Times page
NHS Trust social media pages for real-time alerts
Local community health forums or patient portals

These digital platforms are ideal for getting last-minute updates, especially if you’re concerned about holiday schedules or public health guidelines that may affect Furness General Hospital visiting times.

Furness General Hospital visiting times help ensure that patients can receive visitors without disrupting care or daily routines.

By understanding ward-specific hours and safety measures, you’ll be better prepared for a smooth and respectful visit during official Furness General Hospital visiting times.

Furness General Hospital visiting times may change, so always check with the hospital directly before planning your visit.

Feel free to share this guide with friends or family who may also be planning a visit, leave a comment below if you’ve recently been, and explore more hospital visiting guides here on www.ourvisitinghours.com.