Visiting hours and guidelines
General rules for visiting a child in hospital
We want to ensure your child has the best healing environment for recovery; visits from friends and family is part of that environment. These guidelines were created in consultation with a range of families and patients.
During your child's hospital stay
Two parents or carers can be with each patient during the day.
One parent or carer can stay with a child overnight in most areas.
if you are staying overnight, you must be listed in the ward register. Please ask your bedside nurse for more information. See also guidelines for parents and carers staying overnight.
Other visitors, including siblings
These visitors are welcome to visit from 10am to noon and 2pm to 8pm. Only 2 to 3 visitors can visit at the same time, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Siblings are encouraged to keep in touch via phone and video calls. If you need access to an iPad or digital tablet, please speak to a member of your child’s healthcare team.
Some restrictions apply in specific wards, so please check with your child's nursing team before bringing in visitors.
Clinic visits and outpatient appointments
Two parents or carers can be with each patient at a time (in most areas) except where there are space limitations. Please check signage in each clinic area.
Please do not bring other children/additional people to your appointments.
Let us know
Please speak to your ward’s nursing team for more information or to discuss any special occasions or specific requirements for your family.
Visiting Randwick
Visiting hours
Visiting hours are from 10am to 8pm daily. Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
We ask that families limit the total number of visitors to help us maintain a peaceful environment.
Some areas may have tighter limits based on your child’s medical needs. Please speak with staff if you’re unsure.
Larger groups are encouraged to make use of the hospital’s outdoor spaces or common areas within the building to gather and connect, rather than crowding the bedside if the child is clinically safe to leave the bedside.
We ask that visitors and family members not staying overnight with their child leave the ward by 8pm.
Children's Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
Parents and carers are welcome to visit their child at any time, we kindly ask that only one to two visitors attend the bedside at a time.
Visiting CICU can be overwhelming for siblings and carers. The staff caring for your child will help guide what will work best for your family.
See CICU visiting information
If visitors have a cold or another illness
Sick children pick up infections very easily. If visitors have a cold or another illness, please ask them not to visit.
If you think you have been in contact with a contagious illness, such as chicken pox or measles, please do not visit the Hospital.
If you are unsure, please phone the Hospital to get some advice.
Visiting Westmead
Visiting hours
Visiting hours on the units are from 10am to 8pm, with a rest period during the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
During the rest period, only parents and carers can stay with their child. Check with the unit for rest period times and ask family and friends not to visit during this time.
For visiting hours on the Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the Adolescent Inpatient Unit, please contact the nursing manager.
Friends and family can only visit your child if you are present or if you have informed the unit in advance. The unit staff will explain this process to you.
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Only two people at a time, including parents/carers, are allowed to visit a child in the Intensive Care Unit.
Friends and family may only visit a child who is in intensive care if the parent or carer has told staff first.
See PICU visiting information
Restricted access
All units have limited access after visiting hours and only parents/carers can be on the unit after hours.
Some areas of the Hospital, such as the Intensive Care Units, have restricted access and are locked 24 hours a day.
If visitors have a cold or another illness
Sick children pick up infections very easily. If visitors have a cold or another illness, please ask them not to visit.
If you think you have been in contact with a contagious illness, such as chicken pox or measles, please do not visit the Hospital.
If you are unsure, please phone the Hospital to get some advice.