We know how important visiting is for our patients, and for their families, friends and carers.

To help protect patients and staff, please follow this guidance before visiting our hospitals:

  • If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, including COVID-19 or flu, please do not visit unless you are attending as a patient for a booked appointment. If you have an appointment, you should still attend.
  • If you have had diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not visit until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. You can find out more about Norovirus here.
  • These measures are in place to protect patients, our community and NHS staff, while keeping as many services running as possible for those who need them.

We will keep these arrangements under close review and will update this page with the latest guidance.

Telephone System Update

We have updated our telephone system across all our hospital sites in partnership with Zoom, using secure NHS-approved technology. Our hospital services are now connected through a single, integrated telephone system.

This means that to contact a department or service based at East Surrey Hospital, Crawley Hospital or Horsham Hospital, you can call the main East Surrey Hospital number on 01737 768511 followed by the extension number if you know it, and your call will be connected to the appropriate team.

What this means for patients

By bringing our hospital sites onto a single telephone system, we can provide a more seamless and reliable service. Patients and carers will benefit from:

  • Easier access to hospital services through a single main contact number.
  • Faster connection to the right department, regardless of the hospital site.
  • Improved resilience and reliability of our telephone services.
  • A more consistent experience for patients, carers and visitors when contacting our hospitals.

Updated 15 July 2026

Visiting Times at East Surrey Hospital

At East Surrey Hospital, we know how important it is for patients to stay connected with family and friends. We aim to make visiting as flexible and supportive as possible while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Please check with the ward before visiting, as times or arrangements may change due to clinical needs or infection control. Some wards and clinical areas may have specific visiting times, so it’s always best to confirm before you arrive.

Open Visiting Policy

We operate an open visiting policy, meaning you can visit at times that suit you and the patient. However, we recommend the following best visiting times to avoid disruption to care:

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (please avoid clinical handover times where possible).

John’s Campaign

We support John’s Campaign, which recognizes carers as partners in care. Carers are welcome to stay beyond standard visiting times and assist with care whenever needed. Please speak to the ward team for flexible arrangements or to request a Carer’s Passport.

Visitor Numbers

To maintain a calm and safe environment, we ask that no more than two visitors are at the bedside at any one time.

Visiting During Meal Times

Meal times are an important part of patient care. If you are assisting a loved one with eating and drinking, you are welcome to stay during these times—please let the ward team know.

  • Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Dinner: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

For other visitors, we kindly ask that you avoid visiting during meal times to allow patients privacy and ensure they receive the nutrition they need.

Reducing Noise and Distractions

Please help us maintain a calm environment by keeping noise to a minimum. Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, and unnecessary movement around the ward.

Temporary Ward Closures

In the event of an infection outbreak or other safety concerns, visiting may be restricted or suspended. We will communicate any changes promptly.