Altnagelvin Hospital Visiting Times – Are you planning to visit a loved one at Altnagelvin Hospital? Understanding the Altnagelvin Hospital visiting times is essential to make sure your visit goes smoothly. With specific guidelines in place, especially after recent public health updates, it’s important to know when and how you can visit patients.
Why are Altnagelvin Hospital visiting times important for you? Whether you’re supporting a family member during recovery or visiting a friend, following the hospital’s visiting hours ensures the safety of everyone involved. The hospital has structured its policies to balance patient care with the need for visitors to offer support.
Navigating these visiting times may seem confusing at first, but rest assured, we’ve broken down the essential information. From general visiting hours to specific rules for high-risk wards, knowing the details can make your visit less stressful and more meaningful.
This article will provide all the important details you need to know about Altnagelvin Hospital visiting times, including how to book a visit, safety measures, and special considerations. Stay informed and make your visit a supportive experience for your loved one.
Altnagelvin Hospital Visiting Times
Altnagelvin Hospital operates a structured visiting policy to ensure patient safety and manage foot traffic, particularly in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
This system allows visitors to spend time with their loved ones while adhering to the hospital’s regulations. Below are the standard visiting hours and special arrangements for high-risk areas.
Standard Visiting Hours for Wards
For most adult wards at Altnagelvin Hospital, visiting hours are typically set in two slots daily:
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Visitors are limited to two people per session to manage footfall and maintain a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.
These hours may be adjusted in certain cases depending on ward capacity or public health situations. Visitors are advised to confirm visiting times with the specific ward in advance.
Special Arrangements for High-Risk Areas
Certain wards at Altnagelvin Hospital, such as cancer services and intensive care units (ICU), have additional guidelines to safeguard vulnerable patients. For example:
- North West Cancer Centre (Ward 50): Visitors are limited to two nominated individuals, allowed to visit once a week for up to one hour.
- ICU: Visitation is on a case-by-case basis, typically restricted to two visitors during designated visiting times, with flexibility in exceptional circumstances like end-of-life care.
Other United Kingdom Hospital Visiting Hours:
| Princess Royal University Hospital | Cromwell Hospital |
| Royal Sussex County Hospital | Northwick Park Hospital |
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Visitors
Altnagelvin Hospital prioritises the safety of both patients and visitors, particularly in light of the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19. To minimise the potential spread of infection, the hospital has implemented a range of safety measures that visitors must follow.
Infection Prevention Controls in Place
The hospital has established strict infection prevention controls to protect patients, especially those in high-risk categories. Key safety measures include:
- Mandatory Face Masks: All visitors are required to wear a face mask that covers both the nose and mouth at all times while inside the hospital.
- Hand Hygiene: Visitors must wash their hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser before and after visiting the hospital. Hand sanitising stations are available at key points throughout the facility.
- Social Distancing: Visitors are expected to maintain a safe distance from other patients and hospital staff, minimising movement around the ward to reduce potential virus transmission.
- Symptoms and COVID-19 Testing: Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who has been in close contact with a confirmed case, should not visit the hospital. It is recommended that visitors take a lateral flow test before attending, to ensure they are not carrying the virus.
These measures are in place to ensure that visitors can spend time with their loved ones while maintaining a safe environment for all.
Virtual Visits for Vulnerable Patients
For patients in high-risk categories, such as those in cancer wards or intensive care units, the hospital encourages the use of virtual visiting.
This option allows family members to stay in contact with patients via smartphones or tablets, without risking potential exposure to COVID-19.
- Free Wi-Fi Access: The hospital provides free Wi-Fi to facilitate virtual communication. Staff can assist in setting up video calls for those who need help.
- Virtual Visiting for Extended Family: Virtual visits also offer a solution for extended family members or those who are unable to visit in person due to travel restrictions or other health concerns.
These virtual options help maintain emotional connections between patients and their loved ones while reducing the risks of in-person visits.
How to Book a Visiting Slot at Altnagelvin Hospital
Booking a visiting slot at Altnagelvin Hospital is a straightforward process but requires some preparation, especially due to COVID-19 precautions.
The hospital has introduced structured visiting times to ensure patient safety while accommodating the needs of visitors.
Booking Process for General Wards
For most wards, visitors must schedule their visits in advance to manage the number of people entering the hospital and reduce potential overcrowding. The process typically involves:
- Nominate Two Visitors: Each patient is allowed to nominate two individuals who can visit. However, only one visitor may be allowed per day, for a maximum of one hour.
- Arrange Visiting Slot: Visitors are encouraged to contact the ward directly to arrange a visiting time. This helps the hospital staff manage visiting traffic and maintain social distancing within the facility.
- Special Considerations: Some wards may have specific guidelines based on patient needs, especially for post-surgery or critical care wards. Make sure to confirm the visiting policies directly with the hospital.
Visitors are reminded to be punctual for their allocated slot to prevent overlap with other visitors, as strict adherence to time slots helps ensure safety for everyone involved.
Special Considerations for End-of-Life Visits
For patients in end-of-life care, Altnagelvin Hospital allows more flexible visiting arrangements. These special considerations ensure that families can spend time with their loved ones during critical moments.
- Extended Hours: Unlike the regular one-hour limit, end-of-life visits may allow for more time at the patient’s bedside, often extending beyond typical visiting hours.
- Multiple Visitors: In certain cases, more than one visitor may be allowed at a time, provided it is discussed with and approved by the ward staff in advance.
- Emotional and Practical Support: The hospital staff is available to assist families during these sensitive times, ensuring that visitors feel supported and comfortable.
These compassionate arrangements are intended to provide families with the opportunity to be present with their loved ones during difficult times, while still ensuring safety for all.
Exceptions to Standard Visiting Policies
While the general visiting policies at Altnagelvin Hospital are in place to maintain a structured environment, some exceptions are made for specific patient groups or circumstances.
These exceptions ensure that the hospital can meet the unique needs of different patients, such as children, vulnerable adults, or those in critical care.
Guidelines for Paediatric and Neonatal Wards
Visiting policies for paediatric and neonatal wards are more flexible to accommodate the needs of young patients and their parents. Key guidelines include:
- Parents as Primary Visitors: Parents are typically allowed bedside access to their children throughout their stay. This allows them to provide emotional support and remain close to their child during treatment.
- Risk-Based Exceptions: In some cases, siblings or other family members may be allowed to visit, but this is generally assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the risk of infection or other health factors.
- COVID-19 Secure Protocols: As with all visitors, parents and caregivers must adhere to COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing.
The aim is to ensure a comfortable environment for both the child and the family, while keeping safety a top priority.
Emergency Department Visitors
The hospital’s Emergency Department often experiences high patient volume, and as a result, visiting is restricted to those who are accompanying patients with additional needs, such as vulnerable adults or children. Specific measures include:
- Limited Accompaniment: Patients attending the Emergency Department are encouraged to come alone unless they require support, such as for mobility or mental health needs. This helps manage the flow of people in the department.
- Prioritising Care: If the department is particularly busy, visitors may be asked to limit their time in the area to ensure that space and resources are used efficiently.
These measures help maintain a safe and efficient environment within the busy Emergency Department, especially during peak times.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Altnagelvin Hospital
Visiting Altnagelvin Hospital involves following specific procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Whether you’re visiting a general ward or a specialised unit, it’s important to be aware of what to expect upon arrival and how to prepare for your visit.
Pre-visit Checklist for Visitors
Before attending Altnagelvin Hospital, visitors are encouraged to follow a checklist to ensure they comply with the hospital’s guidelines and minimise the risk of infection. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Health Check: Do not visit the hospital if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever or persistent cough. Visitors are advised to take a lateral flow test before their visit, especially when attending high-risk wards.
- PPE Requirements: Bring a face mask that covers both the nose and mouth. Masks are mandatory for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after your visit. Hand sanitiser stations are placed throughout the hospital for visitor convenience.
- Time Management: Ensure you arrive on time for your scheduled visit to prevent overlap with other visitors. Time slots are strictly observed to manage the flow of people.
By adhering to these guidelines, visitors help maintain a safe environment for everyone in the hospital.
Zero Tolerance Policy on Harassment
Altnagelvin Hospital upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or abuse towards staff and patients. This policy is in place to protect the healthcare workers who are tirelessly supporting both patients and visitors.
- Respect for Staff: Visitors are expected to respect the instructions given by hospital staff at all times. Verbal or physical abuse is not tolerated and may result in visitors being removed from the premises.
- Maintaining a Positive Environment: It’s essential to cooperate with the safety measures implemented by the hospital, including wearing PPE, adhering to visiting hours, and following infection control protocols.
Location: Google Maps
These policies are critical in ensuring that healthcare professionals can focus on delivering the highest level of care in a safe and supportive environment.
Visiting a loved one at Altnagelvin Hospital can be an important part of their recovery, and understanding the Altnagelvin Hospital visiting times is key to ensuring a smooth and safe visit.
By adhering to the hospital’s structured guidelines, you can help protect patients, staff, and fellow visitors while making the most of your time.
If you’re planning to visit, be sure to follow the booking procedures and COVID-19 safety measures outlined here. For more detailed updates and to schedule your visit, don’t hesitate to contact the hospital directly.