Craigavon Hospital visiting times are from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily for adult wards, with specific schedules for maternity, paediatric, and ICU areas. Visitors must follow set guidelines, including limits on numbers and timing.
Planning a hospital visit can be stressful especially if you’re unsure when you’re allowed to go or what rules are in place.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one in the main ward, maternity unit or ICU, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about visiting hours and policies at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Backed by the latest NHS Trust updates, this article ensures you arrive informed and prepared.
Craigavon Hospital Visiting Times
Visitors to Craigavon Area Hospital are welcome during designated times to ensure patient wellbeing and reduce overcrowding. The standard visiting hours for adult inpatient wards are:
- Afternoon session: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Evening session: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
These times apply seven days a week unless otherwise stated by individual wards. To maintain a calm environment, only two visitors per patient are allowed at any one time. In multi-bed bays, staff may request that visitors take turns, particularly during busier periods.
Face coverings and hand hygiene protocols may still be in effect for certain areas. Visitors experiencing any symptoms of illness should avoid coming to the hospital. It is also advised to check with the ward before visiting, especially during outbreaks or seasonal illness spikes.
Planning around these official hours ensures smoother visits, better care delivery, and respect for all patients’ recovery.
Department-Specific Visiting Rules
Visiting times at Craigavon Area Hospital vary across departments depending on the nature of care and patient needs. Below is a detailed breakdown by unit, so you can plan appropriately.
Adult Inpatient Wards
Visitors to adult inpatient wards are encouraged to attend during the hospital’s core visiting hours: 2:00 pm–4:00 pm and 6:30 pm–8:30 pm. Patients are allowed a maximum of two visitors at a time, helping maintain privacy and space for other patients.
In shared rooms or bays, staff may ask visitors to rotate, especially if the room becomes overcrowded. If you’re unsure about your loved one’s location or condition, it’s best to phone the ward in advance to confirm the best time to visit.
Visitors are reminded to wash their hands before entering and exiting the ward. Mobile phones should be kept on silent, and food or drink brought in from outside should only be offered with staff approval.
These measures ensure that visits remain safe, respectful, and supportive of the patient’s recovery journey.
Maternity & Labour Wards
Craigavon Hospital offers tailored visiting guidelines for maternity patients to ensure both comfort and privacy during and after birth.
Delivery Suite (Labour and Birth)
Expectant mothers in the Delivery Suite may be accompanied by up to two birth partners, although only one person is usually permitted at a time during active labour unless otherwise agreed with the midwifery team.
For scheduled caesarean sections, one support person is welcome to stay from admission until recovery is complete.
The hospital recognises the vital emotional support that birth partners provide and facilitates this wherever clinically appropriate.
Postnatal Ward (Maternity Ward)
Visiting in the postnatal ward is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing partners and close family to spend meaningful time with the new mother and baby. However, no more than two visitors are allowed at the bedside simultaneously.
Children under the age of 12 are generally not permitted, unless they are the newborn’s siblings and in good health. Always check with ward staff before bringing young visitors.
Maintaining a calm, restful environment is key to both mother and baby’s wellbeing making it important to follow these carefully considered visiting hours.
ICU and High Dependency Units
Visiting arrangements for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Units (HDU) at Craigavon Hospital are handled on a case-by-case basis. These areas cater to patients with critical or complex needs, and as such, standard visiting hours do not apply.
If your relative or friend is admitted to the ICU, it is essential to contact the nurse in charge before planning a visit. They will advise you on suitable times, safety protocols, and the current condition of the patient. This ensures visits do not interfere with medical care or patient stability.
Typically, only one or two visitors are allowed at any time, and visits may be limited in duration. In some situations, family may be offered extended access particularly during serious health events or end-of-life care.
Given the sensitive nature of ICU environments, staff may adjust visiting permissions daily, prioritising both clinical needs and emotional support.
Children’s (Paediatric) Wards
Craigavon Hospital maintains a family-centred approach in its paediatric units, allowing open visiting for parents and primary carers.
This means mothers, fathers, or legal guardians can stay with their child at any time of day or night, depending on ward capacity and clinical needs.
Unlike adult wards, paediatric areas prioritise emotional continuity, especially for younger children who may find hospitalisation distressing. Parents are often encouraged to stay overnight, and many wards provide recliner chairs or parent accommodation where available.
However, visits from other children, such as siblings, are generally restricted especially during winter months or outbreaks of respiratory infections like RSV. Any exceptions must be pre-arranged with the nurse in charge and may require a health screening on arrival.
To protect all young patients, infection control remains a high priority. Visitors are expected to use hand sanitiser, wear masks if required, and avoid visiting if they feel unwell even with mild symptoms.
Emergency Department & Outpatients
Visiting policies in the Emergency Department (ED) and Outpatient Clinics at Craigavon Hospital are more flexible but guided by practicality and patient safety.
Emergency Department (A&E)
In the A&E department, visitors are permitted only when essential such as when a patient requires communication support, emotional reassurance, or mobility assistance.
This rule helps reduce congestion and allows clinical staff to work efficiently. Generally, only one carer or relative is allowed to accompany a patient, and others may be asked to wait outside.
Outpatient Appointments
For outpatient clinics, patients are welcome to bring a companion, especially if they require help navigating the hospital or understanding medical information.
There are no set time limits, but accompanying visitors are encouraged to arrive on time and leave promptly to avoid crowding.
As departments can become busy, especially during peak hours, it’s advisable to only bring someone with you if truly necessary.
By following these guidelines, visitors contribute to a safer, more supportive care environment for everyone in the hospital.
What to Know Before You Visit
Before heading to Craigavon Hospital, it’s important to be aware of certain practical rules and restrictions that help maintain patient safety and comfort throughout the facility.
Protected Mealtimes
The hospital observes designated Protected Mealtimes, during which general visitors are asked not to interrupt patients unless they are actively assisting with feeding. These times are:
- Breakfast: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
- Dinner: 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Visitors may be asked to leave the ward temporarily during these periods. Exceptions are made for carers or family members providing essential support.
Parking & Accessibility
Visitor parking is available on-site, with dedicated spaces for Blue Badge holders. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during weekends or visiting rush hours, as parking may be limited.
The hospital is wheelchair accessible, with step-free entrances and accessible toilets across all major departments. Assistance can be requested at the main reception or through the Portering Service for patients with mobility challenges.
Other Services & Etiquette
- Chaplaincy services are available for spiritual support. Multi-faith rooms are open 24/7.
- Mobile phone use is permitted in public areas but discouraged near clinical equipment.
- Avoid bringing flowers, latex balloons, or strong-smelling items, which may pose health risks to certain patients.
- Always check with staff before offering food or drink to patients.
By planning your visit with these details in mind, you’ll ensure a smoother, more respectful experience for all.
Contacting Craigavon Hospital for Visit Info
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visiting hours or specific patient circumstances, it’s always best to contact the hospital directly. Staff are available to help with enquiries, particularly if you need to arrange visits outside standard hours.
Key Contact Information
- Craigavon Area Hospital Switchboard: Tel: 028 3833 4444, Available 24/7 for general enquiries and ward transfers.
- Visiting Information & Portering Service: Use this service if you are planning a visit outside the standard 9:00 am to 9:00 pm window, or require assistance navigating the hospital.
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust website: For live updates on visitor restrictions and hospital news: southerntrust.hscni.net
Address & Location
- Craigavon Area Hospital 68 Lurgan Road Portadown Craigavon BT63 5QQ Northern Ireland
Located between Portadown and Lurgan, the hospital is accessible via public transport, taxi, or private car.
If you’re unsure about directions, parking, or ward access, calling ahead or visiting the Trust’s website will help streamline your visit.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct Craigavon Hospital visiting times can make your visit smoother, more meaningful, and respectful of both patient care and hospital policies.
With general visiting hours set from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and more flexible arrangements for maternity, ICU, and paediatrics, visitors are encouraged to plan thoughtfully.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one after surgery or welcoming a new baby into the family, following these guidelines ensures you provide comfort without disrupting care.
Before you travel, it’s wise to double-check ward-specific protocols or call ahead—particularly during health alerts or for visits outside regular hours.
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