Wexford Hospital Visiting Hours – Are you planning a visit to Wexford General Hospital and wondering about the visiting hours? Knowing the exact schedule can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary complications during your visit. Wexford Hospital visiting hours are essential for ensuring you can see your loved ones without causing disruption.
During these uncertain times, understanding the specific visiting hours and any restrictions in place has never been more important. Whether you’re visiting a maternity ward, the Special Care Baby Unit, or another department, it’s crucial to stay informed on the current rules to avoid surprises.
For many visitors, the question isn’t just when they can visit, but how they can visit safely. With COVID-19 still impacting hospital procedures, staying up-to-date with Wexford General Hospital’s policies can make all the difference.
This article will guide you through Wexford Hospital visiting hours and all the latest restrictions in place. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your visit is smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Wexford Hospital Visiting Hours
Wexford General Hospital offers designated visiting hours to ensure that patients can receive visitors without disrupting their care. Understanding these hours is crucial for a smooth and timely visit.
Daily Visiting Times
The general visiting times for the hospital are as follows:
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Evening: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
These hours apply to most wards, allowing patients to have visitors at two distinct times during the day. The hospital encourages visitors to adhere to these specific time slots to ensure the smooth operation of hospital services and the well-being of all patients.
Exceptions and Special Arrangements
In certain cases, visiting outside these hours can be arranged. For example:
- Special Circumstances: If a patient requires additional support, or if there are compassionate reasons (such as end-of-life care), you may contact the ward manager to make arrangements.
- Children under 16: Visits from children under the age of 16 are generally not allowed, unless under special circumstances arranged with the nursing team.
It’s also important to note that in situations where there are infectious disease concerns, such as during a COVID-19 outbreak, visiting may be restricted. In these cases, additional public health measures such as hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks may be enforced to protect both patients and visitors.
By following these guidelines, visitors can ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care while also maintaining the hospital’s safety standards.
For more information, always check with the hospital directly or consult their official website.
Maternity Ward Visiting Guidelines
Wexford General Hospital has specific visiting guidelines to ensure the comfort and care of both mothers and newborns. Understanding these rules can help family members plan their visits effectively while respecting the hospital’s policies.
Visiting Hours for Birthing Partners
Birthing partners are given generous access to support the patient throughout their stay. They are permitted to visit from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. This extended period allows partners to be present during key moments, offering continuous emotional and physical support throughout the day.
However, note that afternoon visiting is restricted, and partners must adhere to the designated times.
General Visitors for Maternity Ward
For general visitors, such as family and friends, the hospital has set more limited visiting hours to avoid overcrowding and ensure the privacy and comfort of all patients.
General visiting hours are from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and each patient may only have up to two visitors at a time. Additionally, children under the age of 16 are not permitted unless specific permission is granted by the nursing staff.
These guidelines ensure a calm and supportive environment for mothers and newborns, while also managing the flow of visitors to maintain safety and order in the maternity ward. Visitors are encouraged to respect these rules for the well-being of all patients.
Other Hospitals in Ireland:
Always consult with the hospital staff or check the hospital’s official website for any updates or changes in the visiting schedule.
Visiting Guidelines for Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)
Wexford General Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is designed to offer specialised care for newborns who need additional support.
The hospital ensures that parents and guardians are kept closely involved in their baby’s care while adhering to certain visiting protocols for the safety and comfort of both babies and families.
Parental Visits
Parents are encouraged to visit their babies in the SCBU at any time. The hospital follows a family-centred approach, recognising the importance of parental presence in a baby’s recovery.
Fathers and mothers are welcome to participate actively in day-to-day care, including feeding and changing, as much as the baby’s health condition allows. This hands-on involvement helps maintain a close bond during a challenging period.
The unit limits visitors to two people per cot, and one must always be a parent or guardian. This policy is in place to ensure the babies have a peaceful and stable environment.
Additionally, no visitors under the age of 16, except for siblings, are permitted within the SCBU.
To protect vulnerable infants, anyone showing symptoms of illness, such as a cough or cold, should refrain from visiting the unit. Special care is taken to ensure the unit remains a sterile and safe environment for these delicate newborns.
For more information, or to arrange exceptional visiting permissions, it’s advisable to contact the SCBU team directly
Parking Information for Visitors
Wexford General Hospital provides convenient parking options to ensure visitors can access the hospital with ease.
Located at the front of the hospital, the parking area includes a designated clamping system to maintain order, so it is essential to park in the appropriate areas.
Parking Charges and Locations
For visitors, parking rates are straightforward and clearly structured:
- Up to 3 hours: €4
- 3 to 4 hours: €6
- More than 4 hours: €8
- 2-day pass: €10
- 5-day pass: €20
These charges apply for all-day parking from Monday to Sunday. The car park has 490 spaces, including accessible spots and electric vehicle charging points, ensuring that all visitor needs are covered.
Payment Options
While the pay machines at Wexford General Hospital do not accept cards, visitors have the option to pay using their phone through the Parking Tag system.
Simply visit the hospital’s main reception or use the provided phone payment services for a hassle-free experience.
For longer stays, parking passes can be purchased at the security office inside the hospital, offering better value for multi-day visits.
This flexibility ensures that visitors, especially those with loved ones in critical care, can avoid the stress of repeatedly paying for parking.
COVID-19 Visiting Restrictions
With the ongoing risks associated with COVID-19, Wexford General Hospital has implemented strict guidelines to protect patients, staff, and visitors. These measures are in place to minimise transmission, especially in high-risk areas.
Current Restrictions in Place
Visitors are currently limited across most wards, with only one visitor allowed per patient at a time. Visitors must adhere to designated visiting times, which are generally between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Specific wards, such as those experiencing infectious outbreaks, may have stricter restrictions in place. In these areas, visits are only allowed under exceptional circumstances, such as for end-of-life care.
Visitors are required to wear masks and sanitise their hands regularly to ensure the safety of everyone in the hospital.
How to Arrange Visits Under Restrictions
For those wishing to visit under restricted circumstances, such as compassionate grounds, it’s necessary to contact the relevant ward manager. They will assess each request individually, ensuring that visits align with public health guidelines.
In some cases, virtual visits may be encouraged as an alternative to physical visits. It’s recommended that you call ahead to confirm the latest guidelines before arriving at the hospital.
By following these protocols, visitors can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while still supporting their loved ones during hospital stays.
Ensuring you have the correct Wexford Hospital visiting hours can make all the difference when planning a hospital visit.
By staying informed on the specific times and any current restrictions, you can avoid unnecessary confusion or delays.
Whether you’re visiting the maternity ward, Special Care Baby Unit, or other departments, being prepared is key.
As hospital policies evolve, particularly due to COVID-19, knowing these details will help ensure a smooth and safe visit for everyone involved.
If you’re unsure about any guidelines, it’s always a good idea to contact Wexford General Hospital directly. Staying updated on the latest Wexford Hospital visiting hours will allow you to visit with confidence.
For more detailed information or to get the latest updates, make sure to check the hospital’s official website or call ahead to avoid any surprises.