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Hospital service disruptions

Visiting hours

Visiting hours differ from hospital to hospital.

Visiting information for each hospital by county is available below.

Important

Do not visit a hospital if you have any symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19, or any viral illness.

Being infection aware

People who need treatment in a hospital or clinic are often more vulnerable to infection than other people.

Protect yourself and others in hospital by:

  • cleaning your hands regularly and using hand sanitiser gel
  • not sharing your personal items with patients - such as your phone or earphones
  • keeping away from patients' beds
  • covering your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve - put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands

Face masks

You may be asked to wear a face mask when visiting some health and care settings. The healthcare team will let you know if you need to.

Anyone who wants to wear a face mask to protect themselves and others should do so.

Maternity hospitals

Hospitals will try and allow your nominated support partner to be with you during the key stages of your pregnancy, labour and birth.

If your hospital cannot facilitate your nominated support partner due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, they will let you know why.

Appointments and visiting arrangements by county

Carlow

St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny

Information for visitors

Due to increased infection control measures required at this time for Covid 19, St. Luke’s General Hospital will be temporarily suspending hospital visiting effective immediately except for those visiting the maternity unit and exceptional circumstances as determined by each ward manager.

Please see the following restrictions that are currently in place.

VISITING RESTRICTIONS

Maternity unit  – Remains Unchanged

- Partners can attend EPAU

- Partners can attend Booking Ultrasound

- Partners can attend high risk ante natal clinic visits based on an individual case by case basis with previous agreement

- Partners can attend Anomaly Ultrasound

- Partners can attend during the day if a woman is being induced or in early labour on the maternity ward

- Partners can attend when woman in labour ward

- Partners can attend for Caesarean Section

- Partners can attend 10-12 and 6-8 daily

- Parents can attend the SCBU by pre arranged appointments

- Outside of these times, sensitive cases will be discussed with the couple on an individual basis

Exceptional Circumstances :

Visiting will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:

·       End Of Life Non-Covid-19 Patient - Only two nominated Relatives only;

·       End Of Life Covid-19 Patient – Only one nominated relative utilising correct PPE/hand hygiene/IPC advice etc.;

·       Critically ill patient (Only Two nominated Relatives only);

·       One parent only will be allowed visit children in the Paediatric Unit at any time.

·       Children should not visit the hospital.

·       The situation will be reviewed on an on-going basis and any further changes will be advised.

There are a number of Covid and non-Covid-19 patients presenting to the ED. We ask the public to consider their care options, if possible. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending ED in St Luke’s General Hospital. However, if urgent care is required, patients should attend the hospital.

We advise patients to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children (unless the children are ill).

St Luke’s General Hospital would like to assure people that anyone seriously injured or ill will be assessed and treated as a priority.

We’d also like to remind the general public that anyone who is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms (see below) to please contact their GP in the first instance. Please avoid coming directly to ED if you feel you might need to be treated for Covid-19 or you wish to have a test.

Getting an early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.

Covid 19 symptoms

Fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

  • A new cough - this can be any kind of cough.
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties    
  • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal   

Cavan

Cavan General Hospital

Appointments and Elective procedures

Appointments and elective procedures are going ahead as usual and people should continue to come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Please do not attend for your appointment if:

  • You have any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please see COVID-19 Information available for reference.
  • You have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting a result.

Please telephone the number on your appointment letter and a new appointment will be arranged for you.

RCSI visiting restrictions

Maternity Department - Access for nominated support partner

Clare

Ennis Hospital

Visiting hours

Visitors are welcome daily from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Visitors must use our online booking system to book a visit. Ward staff will help with any queries you may have about your booking. Two visitors per patient per day are permitted.

Visiting arrangements are kept under review and updated in line with Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines.

Cork

Bantry General Hospital

There is an increase in the number of patients with confirmed COVID-19 being admitted to hospitals. Because of this we are implementing arrangements for people visiting patients.

Information for visitors

Visiting is permitted from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm everyday.
One visitor per patient.
This will be reviewed if there is an infection outbreak.

Cork University Hospital

Visiting arrangements

Visiting is permitted from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm everyday.
One visitor per patient.
This will be reviewed if there is an infection outbreak.

Cork University Maternity Hospital

Outpatients Department

Only patients can attend antenatal and gynaecology appointments, but this is reviewed on an individual basis. 

Partners or nominated person can attend at ultrasound departments for early pregnancy scans, dating scans and anatomy scans.

Inpatients

Partner/nominated person can attend from 7am to 11pm. 

Unexpected events and complications are reviewed on an individual basis.

Delivery Suite

The birthing partner can attend when the patient is transferred to the Delivery Suite.

The birthing partner can attend for the birth.

The birthing partner can attend for delivery by caesarean section.

In the antenatal period any patient wishing for the attendance of a Doula in addition to the birthing partner must make the request to the hospital. 

Any unexpected events or circumstances are reviewed on an individual basis.

Postnatal or Gynaecology Wards

Partner or nominated person can attend from 7am to 11pm.

Unexpected events and complications are reviewed on an individual basis.

Neonatal Unit

When a baby is in the Neonatal Unit both parents can visit their baby together at the same time.

General

Partners or nominated person can attend following pregnancy loss diagnosis and any subsequent visits.

Mallow General Hospital

Information for visitors

Visiting is permitted from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm everyday.
One visitor per patient.
This will be reviewed if there is an infection outbreak.

Mercy University Hospital

We have deferred non-time dependent services including inpatient, day case and outpatient services. This is because of the increase in the number of patients with confirmed Covid-19 being admitted to hospitals.

Emergency and urgent procedures and care will continue to be provided.

Outpatient Clinics

The outpatient department continues to run essential face to face clinics. Some patient consultations are now taking place by phone or video calls.

Please attend your outpatient clinic appointment unless we contact you directly to arrange otherwise.

Please do not arrive early for your appointment but arrive on time. This is to ensure patient safety and to comply with social distancing.

Do not visit the hospital for an outpatient appointment if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Inpatient and day case procedures

Elective and day case procedures will continue for emergency and urgent, time sensitive procedures and care. We will contact you about your appointment.

Please do not attend your inpatient or day case procedure appointment unless the we contact you directly and provide you with a specific appointment.

Information for visitors

  • General visiting is permitted from 6pm to 8pm everyday.
  • Visiting on compassionate grounds and for particular patient care needs outside of these times is facilitated through the ward manager.
  • 1 visitor is allowed at a time per patient in multi-occupancy rooms. Please keep visits to 30 minutes.  
  • Wear a face mask at all times while in the hospital and to perform hand hygiene using the alcohol gel provided.
  • Do not visit the hospital if you are unwell with any symptoms that could be contagious such as a cough, runny nose, rash, vomiting or diarrhoea.
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital

The visiting hours are 3pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Each patient is allowed 2 visitors at a time 

Wear a mask while visiting the patient.

There can be a swap over of visitors as long as the visitors are wearing masks and there is no more than 2 visitors at a time by the patient’s bedside.

Anything outside of this is arrangement needs to be agreed with staff, and this should only be in exceptional circumstances.

Donegal

Letterkenny University Hospital

Inpatient, day case procedures and outpatient appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors 

Access for visitors is by appointment.

Visiting times are:

  • 2.30pm to 4pm
  • 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Visitors need to follow public health guidance and perform good hand hygiene regularly during their visit to the hospital.

Maternity department

Nominated support partner

  • Nominated support partner of women in labour are welcome to attend.
  • Nominated support partner can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia.

Ultrasound 2nd Trimester Scan

Nominated support partners are welcomed for all ultrasound examinations and specialised clinics (including anomaly ultrasound, early pregnancy and dating scans)

Antenatal Clinic

For routine antenatal clinics please discuss nominated support partner access with the Clinical Midwifery Manager before attending the appointment. This is due to the need to monitor capacity within the clinics and maintain social distancing.

Neonatal Unit

Parents are allowed to visit their infant in the neonatal unit.

Other partner access

All sensitive cases and high-risk cases are considered individually on compassionate grounds

Maternity Ward

  • Nominated support partners can visit between 9am and 8pm.
  • Before arriving at the unit the nominated partner will be screened for COVID-19 risk factors and no visiting will be permitted if any risk factors are present. Before admission to the unit a second screening for COVID -19 risk will be undertaken

All visitors must adhere to hand hygiene for the duration of the visit.

Do not visit the hospital if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).

Dublin

Beaumont Hospital Dublin

For the most up to date information on outpatient appointments and visitor arrangements please go the Beaumont Hospital website.

What you should expect if you have to come to Beaumont Hospital

Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital

For information on appointments and visiting arrangements please visit www.nohc.ie

Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown

Visiting hours are:

5pm to 8pm daily

Children

Visiting is not permitted for Children under 12 (expect for compassionate grounds). If visiting, Children should be under the supervision of an adult at all times. Please contact the ward manager to get prior permission.

Covid 19

A Covid-19 outbreak is ongoing in a number of wards in Connolly Hospital. Surgical masks/PPE may be required during visiting and restricted access may apply on some wards (currently - Beech and Sycamore ward). 

Please contact the ward managers of Beech and Sycamore ward for further information if you are planning to visit Connolly Hospital.

Children's Health Ireland at Connolly in Blanchardstown
Coombe Women Infants and University Hospital

Visit coombe.ie for updated information

Crumlin - Children’s Health Ireland

Visit olchc.ie for up to date information on outpatient appointments, inpatient surgeries and visiting arrangements.

Holles St - National Maternity Hospital

For the most up to date patient and visitor information please go to the National Maternity Hospital website

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

For most up to date information on outpatient appointments and visitor arrangements please go the Mater website.

National Rehabilitation Hospital
Rotunda Maternity Hospital

For further information, please see rotunda.ie

Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital

Outpatient appointments

Outpatient clinics are resuming at a reduced schedule. We will contact patients about their appointments.

Visiting arrangements

Visitors are not allowed except for:

  • parents visiting children
  • people assisting confused patients - for example, patients with dementia

Children should not visit the hospital, even in these cases.

Only 1 visitor is allowed per patient.

St Columcille’s Loughlinstown

The visiting hours, as of August 2023, are:

  • 2pm to 4pm
  • 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Coming to the hospital

On the day of your appointment you should attend the hospital on your own, but if this is not possible, 1 relative or carer may come with you. Please arrive at the time that is on your appointment letter. If our waiting areas are busy we may ask you to wait in your car until your appointment time.

Patients who are travelling from a distance or dependent on public transport to attend our clinics are advised to let us know this when we call. We will try to arrange your appointment so you do not have to wait around the hospital for long periods.

Injury and Medical Assessment Units

The Injuries Unit continues to provide a service. No appointment is necessary but you may be asked to wait in your car if the waiting area is busy.

The Medical Assessment Unit is by appointment only through your GP.

The hospital is operating a parcel drop off and collection service for patients in the hospital. We can also arrange video calls with patients. For more information please contact us on 01 282 5800 and ask for the patient liaison officer.

As per HSE guidance everyone coming to the hospital should wear face coverings and perform hand hygiene.

St James Hospital Dublin

Please see: www.stjames.ie/visiting for up to date information.

Visiting arrangements

For further information, please visit our facebook page

St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network

All visits must be arranged in advance with the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM) /Nurse in charge of the ward or through the Oakland Lodge unit manager.

Patients may receive a reasonable number of visits per week for the duration of their stay.

  • 1-2 people may attend each visit
  • No garden visits are allowed
  • Visiting times are 2- 4 pm.
  • A visit is 30 minutes duration.
  • End of life visits are unrestricted.
St Michael’s Hospital Dun Laoghaire

For the most up to date information on outpatient appointments and visitor arrangements please go to the St. Michael's Hospital website.

St Vincent’s University Hospital

For the most up to date information on outpatient appointments and visitor arrangements please go to the St. Vincent's University Hospital website.

Tallaght - Children’s Health Ireland

All paediatric services have been temporarily transferred to Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street and Children's Health Ireland at Connolly.

Find more up to date information

Tallaght University Hospital

For the most up to date information visit www.TUH.ie

Visiting to the Hospital is from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. When visitors arrive at the Hospital we would ask them to please clean their hands and again when they are leaving. As is the case in all healthcare settings they will be required to wear a mask throughout their time in the Hospital.

Please remember you are visiting at a time when we are dealing with COVID-19, in visiting the Hospital you are accepting the risks associated with attending the healthcare setting.

Temple Street - Children’s Hospital Ireland

Outpatient appointments

All non-essential outpatients appointments are postponed until further notice.

We are working to provide services in a different way where possible. This includes virtual clinics (telephone call) for some OPD appointments, these patients will be contacted by medical staff.

Visit the Temple Street website for up to date information on outpatient appointments, inpatient surgery and visiting arrangements.

Galway

University Hospital Galway

Inpatient, day case procedures and outpatient appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors

Visiting times are:

  • 2pm to 4pm
  • 6pm to 8pm

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Anyone coming to the hospital must follow public health guidance, mask and perform good hand hygiene regularly.

The current visiting restrictions are kept under review and will be updated in line with national recommendations.

Maternity Department

As a maternity department, we aim to empower each woman to have a positive labour and birth experience and to enable each woman to have the support of a nominated support partner of their choice throughout the process of labour and birth.

We endeavour to ensure nominated support partners are with women during every stage of their labour, including induction of labour and birth.

We are facilitating the following access for birthing partners or parents:

  • Nominated support partner of women in labour are welcome to attend for the birth and nominated support partner can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia, subject to screening questions and wearing PPE (surgical mask and gown) in the theatre.
  • Nominated support partner access is possible between 8am and 9pm, apart from clinical activities including ward rounds.
  • Nominated support partner will be facilitated between 9pm and 8am if delivery is anticipated or due to distressing circumstances
  • This is subject to screening questions and wearing a face mask in the ward area.
  • A nominated support partner may attend for all scans, including EPAU.
  • A nominated support partner can attend the High Risk Antenatal Clinic

For all other clinics, please discuss nominated support partner access with the Clinical Midwifery Manager prior to attending the appointment. This is due to the need to monitor capacity within the clinics and maintain social distancing.

Antenatal Clinic

For routine antenatal clinics please discuss nominated support partner access with the Clinical Midwifery manager before attending the appointment. This is due to the need to monitor capacity within the clinics and maintain social distancing.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Parents of an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit may visit, 1 parent at a time. Grandparents and children are not allowed to visit the NICU.

If a nominated support partner has COVID-19 symptoms, is awaiting a COVID-19 test or test result, or has had a positive test within the last 14 days, they must not come to the hospital. But an alternative nominated support partner may attend. Nominated support partners must wear a face mask at all times, maintain social distancing and use hand gel to clean their hands regularly.

Merlin Park University Hospital

Inpatient, day case procedures and outpatient appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors

Visiting times are:

  • 2pm to 4pm 
  • 6pm to 8pm

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Anyone coming to the hospital must follow public health guidance and perform good hand hygiene regularly.

Portiuncula University Hospital

Inpatient, day case procedures and outpatient appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors

Visiting times are as follows:

  • 2pm to 4pm
  • 6pm to 8pm

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Visitors will be required to follow public health guidance and perform good hand hygiene regularly during their visit to the hospital.

Appointments to speak with the doctor must be arranged through the relevant consultant secretary.

Maternity Department

In line with recent national guidance (published on hpsc.ie), we are facilitating the following access for nominated support partner or parents:

  • A nominated support partner is welcome to attend for support in labour
  • A nominated support partner is welcome to attend for caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia
  • Nominated support partner access is possible between 8 am and 9pm, apart from clinical activities including ward rounds.
  • Nominated support partner will be facilitated between 9pm and 8am if delivery is anticipated or due to compassionate circumstances.

All sensitive cases and high risk cases are considered individually on compassionate grounds

Fetal assessment unit

A nominated support partners is welcome for all ultrasound examinations and Specialised clinics (including anomaly ultrasound, early pregnancy and dating scans).

Antenatal Clinic

For routine clinics please discuss nominated support partner access with the Clinical Midwifery Manager prior to attending the appointment. This is due to the need to monitor capacity within the clinics and maintain social distancing.

Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)

Nominated support partners are welcome for a daily visit to the SCBU for one hour to two hours. One visitor in the unit at a time. One parent per cot.

Kerry

University Hospital Kerry

Emergency Department 

You should only attend the emergency department (ED) if it is absolutely necessary. The hospital is very busy and there is an increase of COVID-19 cases in the Kerry area. 
Please think about going to your GP or pharmacy first as there may be long delays in our ED

Read more about when you should go to an emergency department

Visiting arrangements

Visiting Arrangement to University Hospital Kerry during the following hours are:

2pm to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm, DAILY - Monday to Sunday

30 min visits per patient

Visit by appointment only through the visiting co-ordinator. Phone 087 1138053

Maternity Department

Arrangements are in place in University Hospital Kerry Maternity Services in the interest of patient and public safety.

Nominated support persons are welcome to attend for:

  • Early Pregnancy Scans (EPAU) 
  • 12 week scan (booking scan)
  • 20 week scan (anatomy scan)
  • high risk scans
  • Emergency presentations during pregnancy 

Parents can both attend separately when visiting infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or neonatal care unit

Nominated support persons are welcome at the maternity department as long as they:

  • do not have symptoms of COVID-19
  • are not suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19

Nominated support persons will not generally need to be tested for COVID-19 before attending the unit. But the maternity department is part of a bigger campus and testing may be needed in other parts of University Hospital Kerry.

Nominated support persons will not need to show proof that they have had a COVID-19 vaccine.

If the situation changes at the maternity department and stricter arrangements need to be put in place we will let women and their nominated support partners know.

Kildare

Naas General Hospital
  • Visiting Times: Monday to Sunday, 2pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Visits are strictly no longer than 30 minutes.
  • Strictly no more than 2 people should visit a patient at any one time.
  • At times there will be visiting restrictions to certain wards from infection control. These measures will be kept under review if there is an infection outbreak.
  • End of life and compassionate visits are coordinated at ward/department level with the Clinical Nurse Manager/Nurse in Charge of the unit.

You Must:

  • Use hand gel when entering and leaving the hospital and when entering and leaving the ward.
  • Do not attend if you have any cold/flu/COVID symptoms
  • Be mindful of other patients’ needs for rest and privacy.

Facemasks are provided and may be worn if you wish to do so but are not obligatory.

You may however be asked to wear a mask in certain areas of the hospital to protect you, our staff, and our patients

You may be denied entry due to national/local visiting restrictions, please do not be offended. This is to protect our patients, staff, and members of the public.

For further information visit the Naas Hospital website

Kilkenny

St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny

Information for visitors

Due to increased infection control measures required at this time for Covid 19, St. Luke’s General Hospital will be temporarily suspending hospital visiting effective immediately except for those visiting the maternity unit and exceptional circumstances as determined by each ward manager.

Please see the following restrictions that are currently in place.

VISITING RESTRICTIONS

Maternity unit  – Remains Unchanged

- Partners can attend EPAU

- Partners can attend Booking Ultrasound

- Partners can attend high risk ante natal clinic visits based on an individual case by case basis with previous agreement

- Partners can attend Anomaly Ultrasound

- Partners can attend during the day if a woman is being induced or in early labour on the maternity ward

- Partners can attend when woman in labour ward

- Partners can attend for Caesarean Section

- Partners can attend 10-12 and 6-8 daily

- Parents can attend the SCBU by pre arranged appointments

- Outside of these times, sensitive cases will be discussed with the couple on an individual basis

Exceptional Circumstances :

Visiting will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:

·       End Of Life Non-Covid-19 Patient - Only two nominated Relatives only;

·       End Of Life Covid-19 Patient – Only one nominated relative utilising correct PPE/hand hygiene/IPC advice etc.;

·       Critically ill patient (Only Two nominated Relatives only);

·       One parent only will be allowed visit children in the Paediatric Unit at any time.

·       Children should not visit the hospital.

·       The situation will be reviewed on an on-going basis and any further changes will be advised.

There are a number of Covid and non-Covid-19 patients presenting to the ED. We ask the public to consider their care options, if possible. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending ED in St Luke’s General Hospital. However, if urgent care is required, patients should attend the hospital.

We advise patients to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children (unless the children are ill).

St Luke’s General Hospital would like to assure people that anyone seriously injured or ill will be assessed and treated as a priority.

We’d also like to remind the general public that anyone who is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms (see below) to please contact their GP in the first instance. Please avoid coming directly to ED if you feel you might need to be treated for Covid-19 or you wish to have a test.

Getting an early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.

Covid 19 symptoms

Fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

  • A new cough - this can be any kind of cough.    
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties    
  • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal   

Laois

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise

For all visiting

Visiting has been arranged at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in line with the guidance for the control of the spread of COVID-19 in Acute and Children’s Hospitals & COVID-19 Guidance on visiting Acute Hospitals. It is important that visitors accept personal responsibility with respect to their obligation to help protect the person they visit, other patients on the ward and the staff in the Hospital.

Visiting Times

Emergency Department – Due to limited space in our Emergency Department, there is no visiting, however in certain circumstances and in consultation with the Nursing Manager, one person may accompany the patient.

One visitor per patient can be accommodated in the following wards for a maximum of 30 minutes:

  • Emo Court Ward - 3pm to 4pm / 6pm to 8pm
  • Slieve Bloom Ward - 3pm to 4pm / 6pm to 8pm
  • Dunamaise Ward – 3pm to 4pm / 6pm to 8pm
  • Critical Care Department - 3pm to 4pm / 6pm to 8pm
  • Transitional Care Unit, Abbeyleix 3pm-4pm/6pm-8pm.
  • Paediatric Ward - 1 parent or relative should remain at all times during the child’s admission.

Maternity Ward – 6pm to 8pm. The Partner/Birthing Partner is permitted throughout the day with the exception of quiet time

Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) - Parents can visit freely without need to prearrange times

If we cannot facilitate visits due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, which may be at short notice, we will let you know why.

We will keep this under constant review. In full consideration of the safety of patients and families attending our services, we ask for your understanding and co-operation at this time.

On arrival to the hospital to see the Patient

  • Please enter the hospital through the main entrance.
  • You will be asked to please carry out hand hygiene.
  • On the ward only visit your relative. You must not visit any other patient on the ward.
  • Do not visit the hospital if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza (high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).

The current visiting arrangements are kept under review and will be updated in line with national recommendations.

Maternity Services

We are managing access to the maternity services in accordance with the updated national guidance.

Every effort will be made so that your nominated support partner can be with you during the key stages of your pregnancy, labour and birth.

This includes:

  • All partners can attend antenatal visits, including booking visits, anatomy scans and recall clinics
  • your 12 and 20 week scans
  • labour
  • Partners can accompany their respective partners to the post-natal areas, there is no specific time limit. Also, partners can remain with their respective partners in theatre recovery
  • Siblings and grandparents are facilitated to visit the maternity department.

A risk assessment is conducted if there is suspicion or confirmed case of Covid-19

If you see this symbol when visiting the wards please be aware of its importance. This spiral symbol means that a patient is imminently dying or has died. We would ask all visitors to be respectful and avoid mobile phone use and to be prepared to meet people who are grieving during your time on the ward.

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Limerick

Croom Orthopaedic Hospital

Visiting hours

Visitors are welcome daily from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Visitors must use our online booking system to book a visit. Ward staff will help with any queries you may have about your booking. Two visitors per patient per day are permitted.

Visiting arrangements are kept under review and updated in line with Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines.

St John’s Hospital

Visiting hours

Visitors are welcome daily from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Visitors must use our online booking system to book a visit. Ward staff will help with any queries you may have about your booking. Two visitors per patient per day are permitted.

Visiting arrangements are kept under review and updated in line with Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines.

University Hospital Limerick (UHL)

Visiting hours

Visitors are welcome daily from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Visitors must use our online booking system to book a visit. Ward staff will help with any queries you may have about your booking. Two visitors per patient per day are permitted.

Visiting restrictions remain in place in the Emergency Department, Acute Surgical Assessment Unit, and Acute Medical Assessment Unit.

The only exceptions to visiting in those areas are:

  • parents visiting children in hospital
  • people assisting confused patients, for example, dementia
  • on compassionate grounds, for example, for patients who are critically unwell or at end of life

All exceptions are limited to one person per patient and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

In cases where exceptions apply, we recommend that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before coming to the hospital.

Visiting arrangements are kept under review and updated in line with Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines.

University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL)

Access for nominated support partners

UMHL continues to facilitate daily 8am to 9pm access for nominated support partners to all three of the hospital’s inpatient wards. Nominated support partners also attend for first appointments in the antenatal clinic, as well as the growth scan (32 to 34 weeks)

Nominated support partners will have access to the following areas in UMHL, regardless of vaccination status

Clinics

  • Antenatal Clinic for first appointment
  • 12 week dating scan
  • 22 to 24 weeks anomaly scan
  • 32 to 34 weeks growth scan

WARDS/EPAU/High Risk Admissions

  • Labour Ward throughout labour and delivery
  • Theatre including elective and emergency C-Section
  • Antenatal Ward and Postnatal Wards 8am to 9pm daily
  • designated time slots for fathers/parents of babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
  • Emergency high risk admissions

Access on compassionate grounds will continue to be facilitated.

Children are not allowed to visit the hospital.

In the interests of inpatient and staff safety, nominated support partners are asked not to access the hospital if they have symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, cough or shortness of breath).

Louth

Drogheda - Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Appointments and Elective procedures

Appointments and elective procedures are going ahead as usual and people should continue to come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Please do not attend for your appointment if:

  • You have any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please see COVID-19 Information available for reference.
  • You have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting a result.

Please telephone the number on your appointment letter and a new appointment will be arranged for you.

Visiting restrictions

Maternity Department - Access for nominated support partner

Louth County Hospital Dundalk

Appointments and Elective procedures

Appointments and elective procedures are going ahead as usual and people should continue to come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Please do not attend for your appointment if:

  • You have any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please see COVID-19 Information available for reference.
  • You have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting a result.

Please telephone the number on your appointment letter and a new appointment will be arranged for you.

Visiting restrictions

Mayo

Mayo University Hospital

Inpatient, day case procedures and outpatient appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors

You must make an appointment to visit a patient in the hospital. Patients identify who they would like to visit and staff then telephone the nominated support person and offer a time slot.

Anyone coming to the hospital must follow public health guidance and perform good hand hygiene regularly.

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Maternity department

  • A nominated support partner is welcome to attend for support in labour.
  • A nominated support partner is welcome to attend for caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia.
  • Nominated support partner access is possible between 8am and 9pm, apart from clinical activities including ward rounds.
  • Nominated support partner will be facilitated between 9pm and 8am if delivery is anticipated or due to distressing circumstances.
  • If delivery is after 9pm partners may stay for 1 hour.

The nominated support partner must remain at the bedside and is not permitted in other areas of the maternity ward.

Ultrasound Scan Appointments

Nominated support partners may attend the booking/dating scan and second trimester scan. A nominated support partner may attend early pregnancy scans.

Other nominated support partner access

All sensitive cases and high risk cases are considered individually on compassionate grounds.

Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)

  • Open visiting for mothers. Nominated support partners are permitted to visit daily. Visiting must be arranged in advance with the person in charge.
  • To facilitate social distancing within the unit, only one parent may visit at a time.

Meath

Navan - Our Lady’s Hospital

Visiting hours:

Daily:

  • 2pm to 4pm
  • 6pm to 7.30pm

Coming to the hospital
On the day of your appointment, you should attend the hospital on your own, but if this is not possible, 1 relative or carer may come with you. Please arrive at the time that is on your appointment letter.

Patients who are travelling from a distance or dependent on public transport to attend our clinics are advised to let us know this when we call. We will try to arrange your appointment, so you do not have to wait around the hospital for long periods.

The following buses travel to the Hospital; NX, 109, 190 service Navan and the N1 (Red) and N2 (Purple) are the town bus service with a stop directly across from the hospital.

There’s a coffee dock on site in the Hospital, selling papers, confectionary, baked goods, crisps and drinks.

Monaghan

Monaghan Hospital

Appointments and Elective procedures

Appointments and elective procedures are going ahead as usual and people should continue to come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Please do not attend for your appointment if:

  • You have any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please see COVID-19 Information available for reference.
  • You have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting a result.

Please telephone the number on your appointment letter and a new appointment will be arranged for you.

Visiting restrictions

Maternity Service

The rest period for mothers is in place from 1pm to 5pm.

Nominated support partners can:

  • attend the Early Pregnancy Unit department when their partner is having their scan
  • attend for the 12 week scan
  • attend for the 20 week scan
  • be with the mother through labour, birth or caesarean section
  • visit the Ante-Natal and Post-Natal ward every from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm

COVID-19 compliance

Visitors will need to complete a questionnaire on COVID-19 and other contagious health conditions. 

This completed form should to be given to a staff member in the ward to be placed in the patients’ notes.

Offaly

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore

Visiting arrangements for all areas

  • Visits are between 3pm to 4.30pm and 6.30pm to 8.00pm.
  • Strictly no more than 2 people should visit a patient at any one time.
  • There is no need for visitors to book a visit.
  • Family and friends are requested not to visit if they feel unwell especially with any respiratory or flu like symptoms or with vomiting/ diarrhoea.
  • Visitors are requested to use hand gel when entering and leaving the hospital and when entering and leaving a ward.
  • Visitors are requested to remain within the bed space of the patient they are visiting. Visitors should be mindful of other patients’ needs for rest and privacy.
  • End of life and compassionate visits are coordinated at ward/department level with the Clinical Nurse Manager / Nurse in Charge of the unit.
  • At times there will be visiting restrictions to certain wards from infection control. These measures will be kept under review if there is an infection outbreak.

Roscommon

Roscommon University Hospital

Inpatient, Day Case Procedures and Outpatient Appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

However, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 should not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

The Roscommon Injury Unit continues to be available to treat minor injuries and the Medical Assessment Unit is available for GP referrals.

Visiting Arrangements

Visits must be pre-arranged by family members or visitors, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance:

  • St Bridget’s Ward - 090 6632214/15
  • St Teresa’s Ward - 090 6632253/30
  • St Coman’s Ward - 090 6632223/25

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Visitors will be required to follow public health guidance and perform good hand hygiene regularly during their visit to the hospital.

Sligo

Sligo University Hospital

Inpatient, Day Case Procedures and Outpatient Appointments

Day case procedures and outpatient appointments are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 is a contact of someone with COVID-19 not come to their appointment and should reschedule by contacting the number on their appointment letter.

Information for visitors

Visiting time is from 6pm to 8pm.

Limited visits in outbreak wards

If the hospital is managing an infectious outbreak on a ward then access to visitors will be limited to protect patients and visitors.

Anyone coming to the hospital must follow the public health guidance and good hand hygiene regularly.

Maternity Department

We are facilitating the following access for nominated support partner or parents:

  • Nominated support partners can attend for the induction of labour and assessments for early labour.
  • Nominated support partners are welcome for the duration of the labour, delivery and postnatally while in delivery suite.
  • Nominated support partners can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia, subject to screening questions and wearing PPE (surgical mask and gown) in the theatre.
  • Nominated support partner access is possible between 8am and 9pm, apart from clinical activities including ward rounds.
  • Nominated support partner will be facilitated between 9pm and 8am if delivery is anticipated or due to compassionate circumstances.
  • Nominated support partners can attend for all ultrasound scans.
  • In order to maintain safe social distancing, appointments may need to be scheduled or a nominated support partner may need to wait in a separate area, depending on maternity ward activity levels on any given day.

USS scanning

A nominated support partner may attend all pregnancy ultrasound scans including EPAU.

Neonatal Unit

Unrestricted access for parents between 8.30am and 7.30pm.

Appointments may need to be scheduled depending on NICU activity levels on any given day to maintain safe social distancing.

Other partner access

All sensitive cases and high risk cases are considered individually on compassionate grounds.

Do not visit the hospital if you have symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).

The current guidance is kept under review and is updated in line with national recommendations.

Tipperary

Nenagh Hospital

Visiting hours

Visitors are welcome daily from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Visitors must use our online booking system to book a visit. Ward staff will help with any queries you may have about your booking. Two visitors per patient per day are permitted.

Visiting arrangements are kept under review and updated in line with Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines

Tipperary University Hospital

The following are TippUH visiting arrangements –

  • Visiting at TippUH is permitted between 2pm – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm. No visiting is allowed outside of these hours unless in exceptional circumstances by prior arrangement with the ward/department manager. Please note that you will be asked to leave the clinical area if you attend outside of the hospitals visiting hours.
  • Patients in all ward areas are permitted visitors unless there is a known outbreak in a clinical area and this may result in temporary restricted visiting at ward level
  • Two visitors permitted at each bedside (in the event that a third visitors comes to the patient’s bedside earlier visitors are requested to leave)
  • Members of the public who are unwell are asked not to visit patients.
  • Visits should be short – approximately an hour but should be appropriate to the needs of the patient.
  • Children should not visit the hospital unless in exceptional circumstances and by prior approval of the ward/department manager.

Visiting to the Paediatric Unit

  • 1 parent/guardian/nominated person at a time may visit
  • Visiting to the Paediatric ward is permitted outside of the times outlined above
  • No children are allowed to visit except in exceptional circumstances as approved by the ward manager

Visiting to Maternity Service

  • Partners/nominated support person can attend the labour ward with the woman either via the front door or ED.
  • As per National Guidelines, the partner/nominated support person can be with the woman from 8-9 pm. In the event of a woman labouring into the evening/night/overnight, the partner/support person can be present if desired. The partner/support person can be with the woman until she is transferred back to the ward post-delivery.
  • It is preferred that the partner/nominated support person would not swop with another person.
  • Partners/nominated support persons are facilitated at the booking scan, anomaly scan, or any other visit that may involve communication of particular emotional significance.
  • Partners/nominated support persons are welcome to attend the booking appointment, however due to space constraints, on occasion after the initial scan they may be asked to wait in the foyer on the ground floor.

SCBU

  • Visiting in the special care baby unit is facilitated for the mother and partner/nominated support person. All visits can be arranged with the staff in that area, all visits are not time limited. Visiting to SCBU maybe limited if the area is extremely busy. Parents of babies who have been discharged, are encouraged to call SCBU at the start of a day and plan their visits with the staff. All visits will be facilitated.

Emergency Department

  • There is no visiting allowed in the Emergency Department

Waterford

University Hospital Waterford

Visiting arrangements

  • Visiting is between 2pm and 4pm every day
  • 1 visitor unless there is an arrangement with the Ward / Unit Manager.
  • Please tell Security staff on arrival where you are going. 
  • Please comply with any infection prevention and control precautions such as mask wearing, use of alcogel etc.
  • Please note that at any time a ward may be in Outbreak and in such instance visiting is not facilitated to that ward
  • If the hospital is experiencing a significant number of Outbreaks visiting may be restricted with visiting only facilitated in exceptional circumstances by arrangement with the Ward or Unit Manager.
  • If this happens, you can drop off or collect patients’ belongings to the designated area in the Main Foyer. Please make sure that any drop off is labelled.
  • Do not come to the hospital if you feel unwell or have cold or flu symptoms, vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • Special arrangements will be made for very unwell patients or patients with exceptional circumstances – these arrangements should be made directly between family members and the Ward or Unit Manager.

Maternity department

Nominated support partners are welcome to attend for:

  • 12 week scan
  • 20 week scan
  • emergency presentations
  • labour and childbirth
  • other appointments or attendances that may be stressful or upsetting

Visiting by nominated partners is flexible and facilitated daily by arrangement with the Clinical Nurse Manager

People accessing the hospital need to abide by the various measures in place. Relatives of patients should identify one person who will be the contact for the relevant unit or ward.

Westmeath

Regional Hospital Mullingar

Visiting Arrangements

  • Visiting times are 2.30pm to 3.30pm and 6.30pm to 8pm. Two visitors per patient are allowed during each visiting period.
  • Wash your hands regularly when visiting.
  • Stay within the bed space of the patient you are visiting. Do not interact with other visitors or patients.
  • Do not visit the hospital if you feel unwell, especially if you have any respiratory or flu like symptoms, or have vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • Children under 12 years should only visit in exceptional circumstances. They need permission in advance from the Ward Manager.

Current Visiting Guidelines by Ward / Unit

Covid Positive In-Patients

  • Visiting will only by facilitated via Ward Manager in exceptional circumstances.

Medical and Surgical Wards

  • Visitors need to check in at security when they arrive.
  • There may be a requirement to control access to RHM in view of the evolving Public Health situation.

Rehabilitation Unit

  • Visiting is facilitated by arrangement with the Rehab Ward Manager.

Maternity Wards

  • Nominated support partner can attend the EPU department when their partner is having their scan.
  • Nominated support partner can attend the 12 week scan.
  • Nominated support partner can attend the 20 week scan.   
  • Nominated support partner can be with the mother through labour, birth or caesarean section.
  • Nominated support partner may visit Ante-Natal and Post Natal Ward daily from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to 8pm.
  • Siblings of the new-born may visit with nominated partner between 6pm to 8pm.
  • Rest period for mothers in place from 1pm to 5pm.

Special Care Baby Unit

  • Parents can visit their baby in the Special Care Baby Unit. Mother can visit and partner is permitted to visit following arrangement with the Ward Manager.

Paediatric Ward

  • One parent, guardian or carer is supported to be with their child during the hospital admission. 
  • The accompanying person must not have symptoms of Covid-19, must not be a suspected or a confirmed case of Covid-19 and must not be subject to restricted movements for any other Public Health reason.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

  • Visiting is facilitated by arrangement with the ICU Ward Manager or nurse in charge.

Critical & Compassionate Grounds

  • On critical and compassionate grounds, further visits can be arranged through the relevant Ward Manager.

Wexford

Wexford General Hospital

Wexford General Hospital

Emergency Department

The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Minor Injury Unit

The unit is open every day from 8am to 10pm.

It treats:

  • injuries to upper and lower limbs
  • broken bones
  • minor head injuries
  • sprains
  • bruises and wounds

Phone 053 915 3313 or 087 911 9057 for an appointment.

Paediatric Assessment Unit

The unit is open every day from 8am to 10pm.

It treats children under 16 for:

  • sprains, strains or broken bones
  • minor burns or scalds
  • small cuts or injuries
  • mild asthma
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea

It will also treat children under 8 with abdominal pain.

You will need a GP referral. Or phone 086 104 1628 for an appointment.

The unit is in Wexford General Hospital's Emergency Department building.

Acute Medical Assessment Unit

The unit is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm.

You will need a GP referral and must be over 16.

The unit is in Wexford General Hospital’s Emergency Department building.   

Scheduled and elective surgeries

All scheduled and elective surgeries have been cancelled or moved to Ely Hospital. You will be contacted directly if you are impacted.

Minor operations and endoscopy services have been moved to Ely Hospital.

Time-critical surgeries and emergency surgeries are being done in private hospitals.

Maternity care services

Up to 20 weeks pregnant

Advice is available from the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit.

Phone 053 915 3005 or 053 915 3106

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

More than 20 weeks pregnant

If you are over 20 weeks pregnant, you can access the maternity services in Wexford General Hospital.

Phone 053 915 3368 at any time.

You can access the maternity delivery suite through the Herbert Amon Unit.

After the birth

You can attend the Herbert Amon Unit up to 42 days after giving birth.

Phone 053 915 3368 before attending.

Page last reviewed: 1 August 2023