Limerick Regional Hospital Visiting Hours – Are you planning a visit to a loved one at Limerick Regional Hospital but unsure about the guidelines? Understanding Limerick Regional Hospital visiting hours and the accompanying protocols is crucial in ensuring a smooth and safe visit. The hospital has outlined specific hours for visitation to help maintain the well-being of patients and the hospital staff.
With the pandemic still presenting challenges, knowing when and how to visit can feel complicated. What time can you visit, and what safety measures should you be aware of? Limerick Regional Hospital visiting hours come with clear rules to protect both patients and visitors, ensuring everyone’s safety in the hospital environment.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the exact visiting hours to booking your visit online, and even alternative visiting options like virtual meetings. For anyone planning to see a friend or family member at the hospital, having this knowledge is more important than ever.
By understanding these details, you can help ease any confusion and ensure that your visit to Limerick Regional Hospital is both timely and safe, giving you peace of mind while supporting your loved ones.
Limerick Regional Hospital Visiting Hours
At Limerick Regional Hospital (also known as University Hospital Limerick), ensuring a balance between patient care and the need for family visits is essential.
Visiting hours are carefully structured to provide ample opportunity for loved ones to connect with patients, while ensuring the hospital maintains a safe and efficient environment.
Whether you are planning a visit or helping a family member through their hospital stay, understanding these guidelines is key to a smooth experience.
General Visiting Hours
Limerick Regional Hospital operates with two dedicated visiting windows each day. These time slots allow patients to receive their visitors while reducing the risk of overcrowding.
General visiting hours are as follows:
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
These time frames are designed to provide flexibility for visitors while also giving patients the necessary time to rest and undergo treatments.
Each patient is permitted to have one visitor per session, ensuring that the hospital can manage the flow of visitors and maintain public health guidelines. Visitors are advised to adhere strictly to these hours to ensure smooth operations within the wards.
Certain areas, such as the intensive care unit (ICU) or children’s wards, may have specific or restricted visiting hours due to the sensitive nature of the care being provided.
It is recommended that visitors contact the hospital reception directly for any special arrangements, especially in these units.
Booking Your Visit Online
To better manage visitor numbers and comply with health protocols, Limerick Regional Hospital requires visitors to book their appointments in advance through an online system.
The Visitor Booking App streamlines the process, ensuring the hospital can control the number of visitors at any given time while safeguarding patient health.
Steps to Book a Visit Online:
- Visit the ULH Visitor Booking System using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Enter the required details, including:
- The patient’s full name and date of birth.
- Your contact information as the visitor.
- Complete a brief COVID-19 health questionnaire before finalising the booking.
Once your visit is booked, a confirmation will be sent to you, outlining the details of your visit. Please note that the hospital limits the duration of visits to approximately 30 minutes to allow all patients the chance to receive visitors while minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
In line with public health measures, visitors will also need to follow several safety protocols during their visit:
- Wear a face mask throughout their time in the hospital.
- Sanitise hands frequently using the sanitisers provided at various locations.
The online booking system not only reduces waiting times but also contributes to a safer environment for both patients and staff.
Source: www2.hse.ie
It’s recommended to check the hospital’s website regularly for any updates on visiting policies, especially as guidelines may change based on public health developments.
Special Guidelines for High-Risk Wards
Limerick Regional Hospital (University Hospital Limerick) has established specific protocols to ensure the safety and care of patients in high-risk wards.
These guidelines are especially crucial for sensitive areas such as critical care units and children’s wards. Here’s what visitors need to know to adhere to these measures while supporting their loved ones.
Exceptions for Critical Care Units
Critical care units, such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Trauma Wards, require stricter visitor regulations due to the vulnerable condition of the patients. Visiting hours are often limited, and exceptions are made only in specific circumstances.
Key exceptions include:
- End-of-life visits: If a patient is critically unwell, immediate family members may be allowed to visit on compassionate grounds, provided strict health guidelines are followed.
- Support for confused patients: In situations where a patient may suffer from confusion due to conditions like dementia, visitors may be permitted to provide assistance.
For these exceptions, visitors are typically required to:
- Book their visit in advance using the hospital’s online booking system.
- Limit the visit to one person per patient, ensuring patient safety and reducing overcrowding.
- Follow additional safety measures, including wearing face masks, using hand sanitiser, and completing a health screening.
It’s advised to contact the hospital’s reception or the ward directly to understand the specific guidelines for high-risk areas, as these may change based on the health status of the patient or public health conditions.
Visiting Children’s Wards
Visiting children who are hospitalised comes with its own set of considerations to ensure their well-being and comfort.
The Children’s Ark Unit at Limerick Regional Hospital welcomes visitors under certain conditions that maintain the health and safety of young patients.
Visiting guidelines for children’s wards include:
- Visiting times: Generally set from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the afternoon and 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening to accommodate children’s rest schedules.
- Parental visits: Parents or guardians are typically given more flexibility, as they play a vital role in the care and emotional support of their child.
It is recommended that visitors:
- Ensure they are in good health, as children in hospital are often more vulnerable to infections.
- Follow all safety protocols, such as wearing face masks and adhering to hand hygiene rules, to prevent the spread of illnesses.
For any special arrangements, particularly for children with long-term or critical conditions, it’s best to contact the Children’s Ark Unit directly to confirm the most up-to-date visiting policies.
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Visitors
Ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, and staff remains a top priority at Limerick Regional Hospital, particularly during the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.
Visitors are required to follow strict safety measures, designed not only to protect hospitalised patients but also to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the hospital environment.
Mask-Wearing and Hand Hygiene
One of the most important steps every visitor must take when entering Limerick Regional Hospital is adhering to the mask-wearing policy.
Visitors are required to wear face masks at all times while inside the hospital. Masks are provided at the hospital entrance if needed, ensuring that everyone complies with the rule without exceptions.
In addition to masks, visitors must also observe proper hand hygiene.
Hand sanitising stations are strategically placed throughout the hospital, and visitors are expected to use these stations upon entering and exiting the building, as well as before and after visiting a patient.
This routine helps in significantly reducing the risk of transmitting infections, particularly in sensitive areas like high-risk wards and intensive care units.
These safety measures are essential in protecting not only the vulnerable patients but also the wider hospital staff, ensuring that everyone can operate in a safer environment.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Screening
For added safety, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for all visitors. While not mandatory for entry, the hospital advises that visitors be fully vaccinated to protect themselves and others from potential exposure.
Additionally, visitors may be asked to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 digital certificate before entering certain areas of the hospital.
Before each visit, every visitor must complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire as part of the hospital’s ongoing effort to limit the spread of the virus.
This questionnaire typically includes questions about recent symptoms, possible exposure to COVID-19, and any recent travel. Only those who pass the screening are permitted to proceed with their visit.
Furthermore, anyone showing symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, or runny nose is advised to reschedule their visit to avoid putting others at risk. Temperature checks at the entrance are also conducted as an additional layer of precaution.
Alternative Arrangements for Visiting
In response to the ongoing public health challenges and to accommodate patients who may have restricted visiting opportunities, Limerick Regional Hospital has established several alternative arrangements for those wishing to connect with loved ones.
These alternatives ensure that patients remain supported while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Virtual Visits
As a way of staying connected while minimising in-person contact, virtual visits have become a critical option at Limerick Regional Hospital.
This method allows patients to maintain regular communication with their families and friends through video calls, even if they cannot meet face-to-face.
How Virtual Visits Work:
- Video platforms: The hospital facilitates video calls via common apps such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
- Hospital assistance: For patients who may not be familiar with technology, hospital staff are available to help set up the calls and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Virtual visits offer several benefits:
- Safety: By limiting physical contact, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is significantly reduced.
- Flexibility: Family members, especially those living outside the area, can stay in touch without needing to travel.
- Convenience: Visitors can schedule calls during hospital-approved hours, providing an additional level of accessibility for families.
For families wanting to arrange virtual visits, it’s recommended to coordinate with hospital staff, who can assist with setting up technology or ensuring the right times for the call.
Outdoor Visits and Safety Concerns
While outdoor visits were once considered a safer option, current guidance from Limerick Regional Hospital advises against outdoor visits due to the unpredictable nature of the virus and concerns about potential transmission risks.
Why Outdoor Visits Are Discouraged:
- Uncontrolled environments: Unlike inside the hospital, outdoor spaces do not provide the same level of control over distancing and sanitisation protocols.
- Weather conditions: Ireland’s unpredictable weather can also make outdoor visits challenging and uncomfortable, particularly for vulnerable patients.
However, for certain exceptional circumstances, outdoor visits may still be allowed under the supervision of hospital staff. It’s important to note that all outdoor visits, like indoor ones, still require strict adherence to mask-wearing and hand hygiene measures to ensure patient safety.
Before planning an outdoor visit, families are encouraged to contact the hospital directly to determine if this option is viable and to understand the specific safety measures that need to be in place.
Limerick Regional Hospital visiting hours are designed to prioritise patient safety while still allowing loved ones to stay connected.
Whether you are planning to visit in person or opt for a virtual meeting, it’s essential to follow the hospital’s guidelines for booking visits and adhering to safety protocols like mask-wearing and hand hygiene.
Understanding these measures ensures that your visit is as smooth and worry-free as possible. From knowing the exact visiting hours to recognising the importance of online booking, these small details make a big difference in protecting everyone involved.
If you’re planning a visit soon, be sure to check the most up-to-date information directly on the hospital’s website or contact the reception for specific guidelines related to high-risk wards or special cases.
For any further details on Limerick Regional Hospital visiting hours or to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to use the hospital’s online booking system or contact the appropriate ward. Staying informed helps ensure your visit goes smoothly while keeping everyone safe.