Visits from family and friends is an important part of the healing process for many patients.

In order for visiting to remain a positive experience and in the best interests of patients, some limitations are required on the hours of visiting, the numbers of visitors and who may visit. This is to ensure that patients have adeqaute rest and there is time to undertake care and treatment. It also helps with controlling the spread of infections.

Standard visiting hours are between 4pm and 8pm every day. No more than two visitors are allowed per patient at any one time.

Visiting outside of these times may be allowed with prior arrangement with the nurse in charge for exceptional circumstances, such as seriously ill and dying patients and teaching relatives aspects of care in preparation for discharge.

The following departments have extended visiting hours:

• Critical Care

• Maternity

• Children areas

Only two visitors per patient are allowed at any one time. The number of visitors is restricted to two per patient to prevent overcrowding in ward areas, to prevent patients from becoming overtired and to reduce the risk of the spread of infection.

Visits by children under 12 years of age should be discussed in advance with the nurse in charge of the area so that appropriate advice can be given depending on the condition of the patients in the ward. All children 12 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

For more information about visiting times, visitors should contact the ward they intend to visit directly. Ward details can be obtained by clicking here.