Visiting our Hospitals

Visiting Times

As a guide many wards will allow visitors between 2pm and 4pm and 7pm – 8pm, however visiting times are individual to each ward and are displayed at the entrance to the ward. If you have any queries about times it is advisable that you contact the ward before making your journey.

Please remember that visits may be tiring if a patient is very ill, therefore it may be necessary to restrict visitors.

Rest periods, doctors’ ward rounds, washing and toileting require privacy. We request visitors to be considerate and respect the dignity of the patient by waiting outside the ward.

In the interest of all patients we request that only two visitors visit at any one time.

It is important that visitors DO NOT visit if they have or recently been in contact with any infectious illness, especially vomiting and diarrhoea. It is advisable that such visitors phone rather than visiting in person.

A Good Visitor

A lways considers the other patients and staff as well as his friend or relative

G oes and finds a chair to sit on, and returns it after use
O ffers to leave if other visitors arrive
O nly offers sensible gifts
D oesn’t burden the patient with their problems.

V isits after checking with close relatives which is the best day to come
I s willing to take home the patient’s personal laundry

S tays for a short time – the patient may feel tired
I s willing to visit during ward visiting times
T ries not to bring young children but if this in unavoidable, does not let them run riot
O nly phones the ward if he is a close relative, and keeps calls to a minimum
R espects the patient’s confidentiality, and does not read patient charts

What Shall I Take?

No: Alcohol, Tobacco Products, Large bulky articles or Large amount of food.

Yes: Phone Card, Toiletries, Magazines or Newspapers

Parking

Car parking is available free of cost on most of our sites, with the exception of the Ulster Hospital (see below). Disabled parking bays are available for badge holders close to the hospital.

Given that emergency access must be guaranteed at all times we would ask you and your visitors to park only in the designated areas and to observe the parking restrictions in force. It is also important to note that the Trust can take no responsibility for any damage to person or property on our sites.

Those attending the Ulster Hospital as Patients or Visitors should park in car parks situated at the front of the hospital aswell as the terrace carpark to the rear of the site (driving past the Accident & Emergency Department).

These car parks are tariff based where the current tariff is:

Pay Stations for parking are situated throughout the Hospital, 2 are located in the Reception area at the front/main door of the hospital, one is located in the A&E department and one is located in the Care of the Elderly Unit situated in the building to the right of the main hospital.

Smoking

Smoking IS NOT permitted in any Trust buildings.

To help support patients while they are in hospital a smoking cessation co-ordinator has been appointed and support is available to assist any patient who requests help. If you are a patient who would like help or support to stop smoking please ask a member of staff for further information.