Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital visiting times are essential for anyone planning to see a loved one during their stay.
Knowing these times helps ensure that visits are convenient for both patients and their families, allowing visitors to support recovery without disrupting rest and care routines.
Visiting hours and guidelines are designed to create a calm environment that prioritises patient well-being while keeping connections with family and friends strong.
This quick guide offers everything you need to plan your visit smoothly, from the general schedule to specific protocols in special wards and health precautions.
Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital Visiting Times
Understanding when to visit your loved ones in the hospital is essential. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital provides specific visiting hours, giving patients time to rest and ensuring a calm, healing environment. Familiarising yourself with these hours helps ensure a smooth and comforting visit.
Standard Visiting Times
Visitors are welcome to visit patients during the hospital’s designated hours. The standard times are as follows:
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
These visiting hours apply to most hospital wards, ensuring that patients have a balance of visiting time with family and friends while also receiving the essential rest and medical attention they need.
Visitors are encouraged to plan around these hours to provide a stress-free experience for everyone involved. Staying within the designated times also helps avoid any disruptions to patient care routines.
Guidelines for Visitors
To maintain a safe, positive environment for both patients and hospital staff, all visitors are kindly requested to adhere to certain guidelines:
- Visitor Numbers: Only two visitors per patient are allowed at a time. This helps prevent overcrowding in rooms and reduces disturbances to other patients nearby.
- Children Under 12: Younger visitors under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult at all times. The hospital environment can be challenging for younger children, so careful supervision is essential.
- Health and Hygiene: To protect vulnerable patients, visitors experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or other signs of illness are advised to refrain from visiting. This precaution ensures the well-being of patients and limits potential exposure to illnesses.
Source: www.fmolhs.org
By following these guidelines, visitors help contribute to a supportive and welcoming atmosphere within the hospital.
Special Ward Visiting Hours and Policies
Certain departments within Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital have specialised visiting policies tailored to the unique needs of their patients. These policies allow families to offer support while respecting the healthcare needs of specific wards.
Maternity Ward
The Maternity Ward at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital recognises the importance of family support during and after childbirth. Extended visiting hours for partners or designated support persons help foster a supportive environment for new parents.
- Partners/Support Persons: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- General Visitors: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
These extended visiting hours allow partners to spend ample time with new mothers and their babies, helping families bond and adjust to their new roles.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Due to the critical nature of care in the ICU, visiting is often more restricted to protect patients. The ICU environment requires extra sensitivity to minimise noise and disruptions, which is why visits are typically limited to close family members only.
- Immediate Family Only: Visiting is usually restricted to immediate family members to ensure a calm and controlled environment.
- Variable Visiting Times: The ICU may adjust its visiting hours based on individual patient needs, so it is always best to consult with the ICU staff before planning a visit.
For those who wish to visit loved ones in the ICU, please discuss any specific requests with the staff. The ICU team may provide flexible arrangements depending on the situation, particularly in critical or end-of-life scenarios.
Paediatric Ward
Children who are hospitalised often benefit greatly from parental presence, which is why the Paediatric Ward encourages parents or guardians to stay with their young ones throughout their stay.
- Parents/Guardians: Allowed to stay with their child 24/7.
- General Visitors: Visiting hours for others are from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
This flexibility helps ease the stress of hospitalisation for young patients, ensuring they receive comfort and emotional support from their family members.
COVID-19 and Health Protocols
In response to the ongoing pandemic, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has put several COVID-19 health protocols in place to protect patients, staff, and visitors. These measures are continuously updated in line with public health guidelines.
Current Restrictions
Current restrictions aim to reduce the risk of transmission within the hospital. All visitors should be aware of and adhere to these guidelines:
- Mask Requirement: All visitors must wear a face mask while inside the hospital to limit exposure and protect vulnerable patients.
- Hand Hygiene Stations: Hand sanitiser stations are provided at entry points, and visitors are required to sanitise their hands upon entering and exiting the building.
- Physical Distancing: Visitors are encouraged to keep a safe distance from others where possible, particularly in waiting areas or corridors.
- Symptom Screening: Before entering, visitors may be screened for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or cough. If you display any symptoms, please consider postponing your visit.
These protocols ensure a safe environment for all and may be adjusted as public health recommendations change. Visitors are advised to check for updates on these measures prior to their visit.
Virtual Visiting Options
To accommodate those who may be unable to visit in person due to COVID-19 restrictions or health concerns, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital offers virtual visiting options to keep patients connected with loved ones.
- Video Calls: Hospital staff can assist patients in setting up video calls with family members, providing a valuable alternative to in-person visits.
- Telephone Calls: Direct lines to patient rooms allow for personal conversations, ensuring patients can stay in touch with loved ones without physical contact.
These virtual options support patients’ emotional well-being, especially during periods when in-person visits may be limited.
Preparing for Your Visit
Preparing for a hospital visit is essential to ensure both the comfort of the patient and the convenience of the visitor. Here are some practical steps to take before your visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Contacting the Hospital
It is recommended to confirm the current visiting hours and any specific requirements before your visit, as these can vary.
- Main Reception: Call (02) 8716 3901 for up-to-date information on visiting hours or policies.
Getting in touch with the hospital in advance can help avoid any inconveniences or last-minute changes in policy that might impact your visit.
Bringing Gifts or Essentials
Visitors often wish to bring thoughtful items for patients, but it’s important to check hospital guidelines before doing so.
- Flowers and Plants: Certain wards, such as the ICU, may restrict flowers to prevent allergic reactions or infection risks. It’s best to check with staff beforehand.
- Food Items: While snacks are appreciated, some patients may have dietary restrictions. Speak with the ward nurse before bringing any food.
- Personal Items: Items such as books, magazines, or simple entertainment can be a welcome addition for patients. Be mindful of items that are easy to sanitise and safe for the hospital environment.
Confirming these details beforehand ensures that any items brought are safe and permissible within the hospital setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help answer any remaining questions, here are some common inquiries visitors may have when visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Can I visit outside the standard hours?
Standard visiting hours are set to ensure patient care and comfort. Visiting outside of these hours is generally discouraged; however, exceptions may be made in cases of critical conditions or emergencies. Please contact the ward manager to discuss any special circumstances that may require extended hours.
Are children allowed to visit?
Yes, children are permitted to visit patients in the hospital. However, younger children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Visitors should also consider the hospital environment and patient condition when deciding to bring children along, as hospital settings can be overwhelming for younger visitors.
What should I do if I feel unwell before visiting?
If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, it is advised to delay your visit. This precaution is particularly important to protect patients, staff, and other visitors.
Instead of an in-person visit, consider connecting through a virtual call until you are fully recovered, as this ensures everyone’s safety without compromising patient well-being.
Understanding the visiting times and guidelines at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital helps create a smooth, supportive experience for patients and visitors alike.
By planning around the designated hours, you can make the most of your time with loved ones while respecting hospital protocols.
For more helpful insights, feel free to share this guide, leave a comment, or explore other resources on www.hospitalvisitingtimes.com to stay informed about hospital policies across Ireland.
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