Daisy Hill Hospital visiting times are currently set at 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:30–8:30 pm daily for most wards, with a maximum of two visitors per patient. Visiting hours vary slightly by department, especially for maternity, paediatrics, and ICU, so it’s important to check ahead.
Planning to visit a loved one at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry? Whether you’re supporting someone during recovery or attending as a birth partner, understanding the hospital’s updated visiting policies helps ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
With clear guidelines from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, including hygiene rules and access protocols, this article will guide you through everything you need to know before arriving at the hospital.
From general ward times to ICU arrangements and visiting children, we break down each policy to help you plan your visit with confidence and care.
Daisy Hill Hospital Visiting Times
Weekday and Weekend Time Slots
Daisy Hill Hospital operates a two-session visiting schedule every day of the week, including weekends. These sessions are:
- Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Evening: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
This applies to most inpatient wards, ensuring that patients can receive visitors consistently while maintaining rest periods and medical routines. Visitors are encouraged to arrive on time and conclude their visit promptly to respect other patients’ care needs.
It’s advisable to contact the relevant ward in advance if you anticipate arriving outside of these hours, especially during flu season or if the patient is in isolation.
Who Can Visit and How Many at a Time
To manage space and infection risk, the hospital allows up to two visitors per patient at any one time. These visitors should be nominated family members or friends to avoid overcrowding.
Children under 12 are not routinely permitted unless previously approved by ward staff, particularly in cases where the patient is a parent or grandparent.
If multiple friends or relatives want to visit, they may be asked to take turns, allowing no more than two people by the bedside at once. This ensures both patient safety and comfort.
Visitor Expectations and Hygiene Rules
Daisy Hill Hospital emphasises visitor hygiene to protect vulnerable patients. On arrival and departure, all visitors must use the hand sanitiser stations available at ward entrances. Visitors should avoid sitting on beds, bringing food without permission, or touching medical equipment.
If you are unwell with a cold, flu, or stomach bug, the Trust strongly recommends postponing your visit for at least 48 hours after symptoms end. Face masks may be required during respiratory outbreaks or in high-risk wards.
Department-Specific Visiting Policies
Maternity Unit Guidelines
Visiting the maternity ward at Daisy Hill Hospital involves tailored rules to support new mothers while ensuring a calm environment. The birth partner is permitted to visit from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, providing vital emotional support throughout the day.
Other visitors such as grandparents or siblings are generally allowed during the standard visiting sessions of 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:30–8:30 pm. Only two people are permitted at a time, and visitors should check with the midwifery team before bringing children to the ward.
Newborn safety is a priority, so if you’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms, you’re asked to delay your visit. Maternity staff reserve the right to limit visits during high-demand periods or outbreaks.
Intensive Care (ICU) Access Rules
For patients admitted to ICU, visiting is more flexible but also more closely managed. There are no fixed ICU visiting hours instead, families must arrange access with the nurse in charge. This approach balances compassionate contact with the specialised care demands of the unit.
Generally, ICU staff aim to accommodate short, quiet visits. Visitors are often asked to wait during rounds or procedures and may need to wear PPE in certain circumstances. As only immediate family are usually granted access, friends or extended relatives should consult with the ward before attending.
Visiting Children in Paediatrics
Parents and legal guardians are welcome to visit the paediatric ward at any time, day or night. This policy recognises the need for continuous family support during a child’s hospital stay.
Siblings and child visitors are only permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as end-of-life visits or long-term admissions, and even then require prior approval. Visitors must be free from illness, and hand hygiene is particularly enforced in these wards.
The hospital encourages parents to stay with their child overnight where feasible, often providing a reclining chair or pull-out bed.
Emergency Department Visitor Access
The Emergency Department (ED) at Daisy Hill Hospital is open 24 hours a day, but visiting is strictly limited due to space, privacy, and care pressures.
If the patient has additional needs such as dementia, autism, or communication challenges a support person is allowed to accompany them. Others may be asked to wait outside or return at a later time. Exceptions can be made during critical situations or with permission from medical staff.
Visitors should not expect to remain in the ED for extended periods unless they are essential to the patient’s well-being.
Hospital Amenities for Visitors
Food, Shops, Parking & ATM Services
Daisy Hill Hospital offers several convenient amenities for visitors to support their needs during short or extended stays.
The hospital’s main foyer features a café, vending machines, and a small convenience shop where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and basic supplies.
For those needing access to cash, there is an ATM on-site. Parking is available in designated areas around the hospital, including Blue Badge bays for disabled visitors.
It’s advisable to arrive early as spaces may fill up during peak visiting hours. Charges apply for general parking, and signs display the current tariff rates clearly.
Public transport links serve the Newry area well, and the hospital is accessible via local bus routes and taxi services, making it easier for those without a car to reach the site.
Quiet Room and Chaplaincy Support
For families in distress or those seeking quiet reflection, Daisy Hill Hospital offers a Quiet Room/Chapel, open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. This peaceful space welcomes visitors of all faiths and none, and can be accessed after hours through the Portering Service if needed.
The hospital’s Chaplaincy Team provides pastoral support across all wards. They can be contacted through ward staff and offer comfort to patients and families during illness, bereavement, or uncertainty.
Multi-faith spiritual services and sacraments are also available upon request. This service underscores the hospital’s commitment to holistic, compassionate care that respects diverse backgrounds.
Visiting During Special Circumstances
Visiting During Illness Outbreaks or Flu Season
During flu season, norovirus outbreaks, or similar public health concerns, Daisy Hill Hospital may introduce temporary restrictions to protect both patients and staff. These can include:
- Reducing visiting sessions
- Limiting access to essential visitors only
- Temporarily suspending visits in certain wards
In such cases, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust provides updates via their website and local media. If visiting is critical such as in palliative care situations exceptions can usually be made, but these require prior arrangement with the ward manager.
Visitors with cold, flu, vomiting, or diarrhoea symptoms must avoid entering the hospital for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve. This helps reduce the spread of infections among vulnerable patients.
How to Arrange Exceptions or Extended Visits
If you need to visit outside of the standard times, it is essential to contact the ward directly. Special circumstances such as end-of-life care, patients with dementia, or carers with vital support roles may warrant flexible access.
The hospital encourages families to work with nursing staff to ensure visits are beneficial and safe. In some cases, visitors may be asked to:
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Limit physical contact
- Use separate entrances or time slots
Written permission is not usually required, but verbal clearance from a senior nurse is typically necessary. Staff aim to balance compassionate visiting with operational safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Daisy Hill Hospital’s current visiting hours?
General inpatient visiting hours at Daisy Hill Hospital are:
- Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Evening: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- These apply daily and allow up to two visitors per patient. Other departments such as ICU and maternity have adjusted or flexible times.
Can children visit patients at Daisy Hill Hospital?
Children are not routinely permitted to visit adult wards. However, in certain circumstances such as long-term admissions or end-of-life care exceptions may be made with prior ward approval. In the paediatric ward, parents can visit at any time, but sibling visits are limited.
How do I arrange to visit someone in ICU at Daisy Hill Hospital?
There are no fixed ICU visiting hours. Instead, visitors must arrange access through the nurse in charge. Immediate family members are prioritised, and visits are generally kept short and calm to protect the patient’s condition.
Conclusion
Understanding Daisy Hill Hospital visiting times is key to planning a smooth and respectful hospital visit. With set daily hours of 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:30–8:30 pm, and department-specific rules for areas like maternity, ICU, and paediatrics, the hospital aims to balance patient care with compassionate family contact.
Remember to follow hygiene guidance, pre-arrange visits for sensitive units, and respect staff directions, especially during seasonal health alerts or exceptional circumstances. Being prepared not only protects your loved ones but also supports the work of the hospital’s care teams.
For the latest updates or ward-specific queries, always call ahead or check the Southern Health and Social Care Trust website. Want to know more about other hospitals in Northern Ireland? Browse our full directory of visiting times and NHS visitor policies for trusted, up-to-date guidance.
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