Canberra Hospital Visiting Hours – What are the visiting hours at Canberra Hospital, and why do they matter? If you’re planning to visit a loved one, knowing the hospital’s policies is essential to ensure a smooth experience.
Canberra Hospital’s visiting hours are designed to accommodate patients’ recovery while allowing family and friends to provide much-needed support. The flexibility of these hours helps ensure that visitors can find a suitable time, even with busy schedules.
In light of ongoing health concerns, the hospital has also put in place COVID-19 guidelines, which could affect your visit. Understanding these protocols will not only make your visit more convenient but will also ensure the safety of all involved.
This article will guide you through the specifics of visiting Canberra Hospital, covering everything from general hours to COVID-19 rules, maternity ward policies, and the facilities available for visitors.
Canberra Hospital Visiting Hours
Visitors play a crucial role in helping patients feel more comfortable during their stay at Canberra Hospital. To accommodate this, the hospital offers flexible visiting hours that run daily from 6 am to 9 pm.
This schedule applies across most wards, allowing friends and family to plan visits that suit their personal schedules.
However, certain departments, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Mental Health Short Stay Unit, may have different or more restricted visiting hours due to the specific needs of patients. Always check with the hospital staff if you are unsure about specific visiting hours.
Different wards may have varying schedules to ensure patient safety and wellbeing. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas with special hours:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Open 24 hours a day for parents and immediate family members.
- Mental Health Short Stay Unit: Weekdays: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, 4 pm – 8 pm; Weekends: 9 am – 8 pm.
- Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Unit: Visitors are generally not allowed for the privacy and recovery of patients in these units.
It is highly recommended to call ahead or speak with ward staff for any specific requirements or restrictions that might apply, especially for visitors with younger children or for patients in critical conditions. These measures are put in place to protect both patients and visitors.
Other Australian Hospital Visiting Hours:
| Townsville University Hospital | Sunshine Coast University Hospital |
| Royal Perth Hospital | Gold Coast University Hospital |
COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions and Guidelines
Due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic, Canberra Hospital has implemented specific COVID-19 visitor restrictions to protect both patients and staff.
These measures ensure that the hospital remains a safe environment while still allowing visitors to provide essential support to patients. It’s vital to stay informed about the current rules, as these guidelines may change based on public health updates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several restrictions on hospital visits, which may include:
- Limited Visitor Numbers: Typically, one visitor per patient is allowed. However, exceptions may be made for critical cases or for parents visiting children.
- Health Screenings: All visitors must undergo health screening upon entry, including temperature checks and filling out a health declaration form.
- Mask Mandates: Masks are required in most hospital settings, particularly in high-risk areas such as ICU wards.
- Social Distancing: Visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing in waiting areas and wards.
- Hand Hygiene: Use hand sanitising stations placed throughout the hospital before and after visiting a patient.
- Vaccination Proof: In some cases, proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be required, especially for visitors accessing vulnerable wards.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the hospital’s official website or contact the hospital directly to stay updated on any specific restrictions. These protocols are crucial in minimising the risk of transmission and ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare staff.
Special Visiting Hours for Maternity and Paediatric Wards
Visiting hours for the maternity and paediatric wards at Canberra Hospital are designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate new parents and close family members.
These wards recognise the importance of family support, particularly for mothers after childbirth and for children admitted to hospital.
However, visitors should be aware of specific guidelines to ensure both patient safety and comfort.
Maternity Ward Visiting Hours and Guidelines
For maternity wards, visiting hours are generally from 6 am to 9 pm, but there is greater flexibility for a primary support person, such as a spouse or partner.
The support person may be allowed to stay overnight if the mother is in a private room. However, for shared rooms, the support person is welcome during regular visiting hours only.
- During labour: The birthing partner can stay at the hospital at any time, providing much-needed emotional support throughout the birthing process.
- After childbirth: Once the baby is born, the primary support person can stay overnight if the mother is in a private room, while in shared rooms, visiting is restricted to regular hours.
- Siblings and close family: For paediatric wards, parents or guardians can visit at any time, but siblings or other visitors are generally restricted to the regular visiting hours for infection control and to maintain a calm environment.
Paediatric Ward Visiting Guidelines
Children admitted to the hospital require family support, and Canberra Hospital allows parents and guardians to visit at any time to ensure the child’s comfort.
However, other family members, including siblings, may need to adhere to the general hospital visiting hours, which are 6 am to 9 pm.
Parents should speak to the hospital staff for any specific requests, especially when dealing with critical cases or prolonged stays.
These measures are in place to ensure that children have the family support they need without compromising their health or the hospital’s operations.
Amenities and Facilities for Visitors
Visiting a loved one at Canberra Hospital is made more comfortable with a range of amenities and facilities designed to support visitors during their stay.
Whether you’re staying for a few hours or making multiple visits, the hospital ensures convenience with its services, helping to ease the stress often associated with hospital visits.
Food and Refreshments Available on Site
Canberra Hospital offers a variety of options for food and drink, with cafés and vending machines located throughout the hospital:
- Café Locations: Cafés are available on multiple levels of the hospital, including near the main reception area. These provide visitors with access to meals, snacks, and beverages during regular hours.
- 24/7 Vending Machines: For after-hours visits or late-night stays, vending machines are available across the hospital, offering quick access to snacks and drinks.
These food services are especially useful for those making extended visits or those needing refreshments during long waiting periods.
Rest Areas and Outdoor Spaces
To provide some relaxation during your visit, the hospital offers several rest areas:
- Family Lounges: Located on various floors, these lounges provide a quiet space for families to rest between visits.
- Outdoor Courtyards: Canberra Hospital has outdoor courtyards available for visitors to enjoy some fresh air. These spaces are particularly useful for visitors with children, offering a safe area to take a break from the indoor hospital environment.
Visitors can check with hospital staff for directions to the nearest rest area or courtyard for a more comfortable experience during their time at the hospital.
How to Contact Canberra Hospital for Visiting Information
For visitors looking to confirm visiting hours or inquire about specific restrictions, getting in touch with Canberra Hospital is quick and straightforward.
The hospital offers several ways to access the most up-to-date information, ensuring that visitors are well-prepared before arriving.
Key Contact Methods for Visiting Information
- Main Switchboard: The main contact number for Canberra Hospital is (02) 5124 0000. The switchboard operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it convenient for visitors to get immediate answers regarding visiting hours, specific ward information, or any special protocols.
- COVID-19 Information: For the latest updates on COVID-19 restrictions or any visitor safety protocols, the hospital advises checking the official website. Additionally, visitors can call ahead to clarify any current guidelines that may impact their visit.
- Online Resources: Canberra Hospital maintains a user-friendly website with detailed information on visiting hours and other important guidelines. Visitors can easily navigate to the “Visiting Hours” section or contact specific wards if more detailed information is required.
Accessibility and Additional Support Services
Canberra Hospital is committed to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their needs, have access to the necessary support:
- Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS): For non-English speaking visitors, the hospital offers the TIS National service, accessible via 131 450. This service ensures that everyone can communicate effectively with hospital staff.
- Accessibility Options: Visitors who require additional accessibility support can contact the hospital directly to request large print materials or other accessible formats by calling (02) 5124 0000.
Staying informed before your visit helps ensure a smooth experience and allows you to focus on supporting your loved ones during their stay at the hospital.
Understanding Canberra Hospital visiting hours ensures that you can plan your visits smoothly while respecting the needs of both patients and healthcare staff.
By familiarising yourself with general hours, COVID-19 restrictions, and ward-specific guidelines, you’ll be able to provide the support your loved ones need during their stay.
If you’re planning a visit or need more information, contact Canberra Hospital directly or check their website for the latest updates.
A well-prepared visit makes a big difference, so stay informed and plan ahead.