Ward visiting times and contacts

From Monday, 16 May, the majority of patients at West Suffolk Hospital, Newmarket Community Hospital and the Kings Suite at Glastonbury Court will be able to receive up to two visitors at the same time.

Visitors will be able to visit loved-ones between the hours of 2pm and 8pm in the majority of wards. This can be any two people and can change throughout the visiting time, but only two visitors at a patient’s bedside are permitted at any one time.

Covid-19 wards

There are some exceptions to the new visiting changes. For example, if a patient is being nursed in a Covid-19 ward, they will be allowed one visitor for one hour at a time, twice a day. If this is the case, the ward must be contacted ahead of any visit and ward numbers can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

Local arrangements

Some areas of the Trust have extended visiting and local arrangements to reflect the nature of the patient group and these include the intensive therapy unit (ITU), neonatal ward and maternity services. Again, visitors are asked to telephone the ward their loved-one is staying on before to confirm arrangements ahead of time.

Surgical face masks

From Thursday 11 May 2023, anyone coming into West Suffolk and Newmarket hospitals will no longer be required to wear a mask, except in areas where our most vulnerable patients are cared for (specifically ward G1 and oncology outpatients in the West Suffolk Hospital) and areas dedicated to care of patients with acute Covid-19 infection.

However, should anyone wish to wear a mask onsite, they will remain available free of charge at the entrances to our hospital sites and in ward reception areas.

This decision has been made based on guidance from the NHSE National Infection Prevention and Control Manual and in the light of widespread vaccination, effective treatments and less virulent variants.

Clinical helpline and Keeping in Touch service

For family and friends who are unable to visit in person, the clinical helpline remains open between 10am and 6pm to provide updates on patients. This can be accessed by telephoning 01284 713155.

Our Keeping in Touch service is also available to help loved-ones keep in contact with patients via a video call – to find out more information, please click here.

Ward information

For detailed visitor information regarding our maternity services please click here.