South West Acute Hospital visiting times are 3 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–8:30 PM daily, allowing up to two visitors per patient during each session. These hours are set by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and apply across most adult wards.
Planning to visit a loved one at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen? Whether you’re supporting a patient in recovery or attending a special-care unit, knowing the right times and rules is essential.
With updates frequently issued by the Western Trust, it’s vital to stay informed especially during flu season or COVID-19 surges.
This guide provides the latest visiting hours, rules by ward (maternity, children’s, ICU), and safety advice to ensure a smooth and respectful visit. Read on to prepare fully for your next hospital visit, and avoid disappointment at the door.
South West Acute Hospital Visiting Times
Visiting a patient at South West Acute Hospital is now more straightforward thanks to clearly defined daily time slots set by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. As of the latest update, standard visiting hours run from 3 PM to 4 PM and again from 7 PM to 8:30 PM across most adult inpatient wards.
These visiting sessions are structured to help maintain a calm, supportive environment for patients while ensuring that clinical staff can continue delivering care without unnecessary interruptions. During each session, a maximum of two visitors per patient is permitted. If more family members arrive together, they may need to alternate during the allocated time.
Visitors are not currently required to book slots in advance for general wards. However, they may be asked to wait or rotate during busy periods to avoid crowding especially in multi-bed wards. To ensure you can see your loved one, it’s always best to arrive punctually at the beginning of a visiting window.
It’s important to note that these hours can be adjusted temporarily in response to outbreaks or public health concerns.
For this reason, checking the latest guidelines on the Western Trust’s official website or calling the relevant ward before visiting is always advised.
Special Ward Guidelines
While general visiting times apply across most adult wards, certain departments at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) operate under specialised rules to accommodate vulnerable patients and clinical needs. If you’re visiting maternity, paediatrics, or critical care units, understanding the specific arrangements is essential.
Maternity Ward Visiting Rules
The maternity ward at SWAH has a carefully managed visitor policy designed to support birthing people and newborns while ensuring rest and hygiene. As of the most recent guidance:
- One birth partner is permitted to visit between 1 PM and 9 PM, daily.
- In addition, up to two visitors (who may include siblings or close relatives) are allowed twice daily during the general visiting hours of 3–4 PM and 7–8:30 PM.
- Partners are also allowed to stay longer during labour or antenatal appointments if prearranged with staff.
Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands before and after contact, and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should avoid visiting. Babies and young children should only attend with staff approval and only if absolutely necessary.
Children’s Ward and Neonatal Unit Access
For those with a child admitted to the paediatric or neonatal units, visiting is more flexible but carefully structured.
- Two nominated adults, typically parents or legal guardians, may visit the children’s ward throughout the day.
- In the Neonatal Unit, both parents (or nominated carers) are allowed extensive visiting time though only two individuals may be present, with no rotation permitted.
In both cases, maintaining a quiet, stable environment is essential. Visitors must follow distancing and hygiene measures strictly, and are often asked to wear masks depending on the health status of the unit.
Intensive Care and End-of-Life Visits
For patients in Intensive Care or receiving end-of-life care, the hospital offers a more personalised visiting approach.
- Visiting hours are generally flexible, but must be arranged in advance with the ward.
- Families are encouraged to contact the relevant department to discuss what is appropriate and feasible, based on the patient’s condition and infection control status.
This ensures emotional support can be offered during critical times, while maintaining safety for both staff and visitors.
Infection Control & Visitor Safety
South West Acute Hospital continues to prioritise patient safety and infection control across all wards. To support this, the Western Health and Social Care Trust enforces clear and practical safety guidelines for every visitor.
Following these steps helps protect vulnerable patients, healthcare staff, and your loved ones during visits.
Health Screening and Hygiene Protocols
Before entering any ward, visitors are expected to:
- Use hand sanitiser at entry and exit points
- Avoid visiting if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, flu, norovirus, or any other contagious illness
- Follow any mask-wearing guidance in place at the time of the visit
In certain high-risk areas, like oncology or critical care, mask-wearing and PPE may still be required. If unsure, it’s best to call ahead to confirm.
Children as Visitors
While family visits are encouraged, babies and young children are generally not permitted to visit wards unless explicitly authorised by senior nursing staff. This policy is in place to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a calm environment for recovery.
If a child is visiting such as a sibling on the maternity ward or a close relative in end-of-life care the visit should be short, supervised, and approved in advance.
Virtual Visiting as an Alternative
To accommodate those unable to visit in person, South West Acute Hospital supports virtual visiting options. Patients and families can connect via phone or video call using:
- Hospital-provided tablets (upon request)
- Ward-supported video calls
- Free hospital Wi‑Fi for personal devices
Virtual visits are especially useful during outbreaks, patient isolation periods, or for long-distance relatives. Staff are available to assist with setup and scheduling.
Contacting the Hospital for Specific Queries
Because ward conditions and public health guidance can change rapidly, contacting South West Acute Hospital directly is the best way to confirm the most accurate visiting details for your situation.
Whether you’re unsure about current restrictions, need to coordinate a visit to a high-dependency unit, or want to discuss compassionate access, the hospital’s ward teams are ready to assist.
Main Hospital Contact Information
- South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), Location: 124 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6DN, Main Switchboard: 028 6638 2000
The switchboard can connect you directly to any ward or department, including maternity, ICU, paediatrics, oncology, and administrative services.
When and Why to Call Ahead
You should always call in advance if:
- You’re visiting a ward that has limited access (e.g. ICU, cancer care, neonatal)
- You or your loved one has special communication, cultural or support needs
- A visiting slot may need to be arranged outside standard hours
- You’re unsure about visitor rotation rules, booking, or safety protocols
It’s also helpful to check in advance if your visit involves multiple family members, as some wards manage entry on a rotational basis to maintain safe numbers.
Changes Due to Outbreaks or Emergencies
Occasionally, the hospital may temporarily restrict visiting due to infectious outbreaks or operational changes. These restrictions are usually published via:
- The Western Trust’s official website
- SWAH’s social media channels
- Public notices in hospital lobbies
Always confirm before travelling, particularly during winter months or known flu spikes, to avoid unnecessary disruption or disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the current visiting times at South West Acute Hospital?
As of the latest update, visiting hours are 3 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–8:30 PM daily for most adult wards. Each patient may receive up to two visitors per session, and visitors should practise good hand hygiene and avoid attending if unwell.
2. Can I visit the maternity ward at any time?
No but there are extended hours for birth partners. One designated partner can visit between 1 PM and 9 PM, while up to two other visitors can attend during standard hospital visiting times. All visitors should follow maternity-specific guidance on hygiene and health screening.
3. Do I need to book a time to visit SWAH?
No booking is required for standard adult ward visits. However, certain departments such as Intensive Care, Maternity, or the Neonatal Unit may require prior contact to coordinate access or confirm specific policies. Always check ahead with the relevant ward.
Conclusion
Understanding the latest South West Acute Hospital visiting times is essential for making your visit stress-free and supportive for your loved one.
With daily visiting slots at 3 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–8:30 PM, and up to two visitors permitted per session, the hospital offers a clear and compassionate policy designed to balance safety with meaningful patient contact.
Whether you’re visiting a general ward, maternity, ICU, or a child in care, checking the specific ward’s rules in advance will ensure your visit goes smoothly. Keep hygiene in mind, stay updated via official channels, and consider virtual visits when needed.
Always call ahead if you’re unsure policies may shift during outbreaks or seasonal pressures.
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