Tessa Quinn
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in Ireland enforced restrictions on visitors. In March 2020, the Department of Health ended hospital visiting to prepare for the surge in COVID-19 cases. However, as of May 2021, visitors were allowed back into hospitals in Northern Ireland, with social distancing, hand hygiene, and other safety measures in place. In December 2021, as COVID-19 cases rose, Rotunda Hospital required all visitors to have a COVID certificate for entry. In August 2023, a Dublin hospital limited visitors to one per patient and discouraged those with COVID-19 symptoms from entering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Ireland, Derry, Dublin |
| Date | May 4, 2021, August 16, 2023 |
| Restrictions | Visitors allowed, limited to one per patient, no children allowed |
| Covid-19 | Covid-19 outbreak, new variant detected in Ireland |
| Symptoms | Sore throat, cough, temperature, shortness of breath |
| Prevention | Wear a mask if requested by staff, do not visit if experiencing symptoms |
| Alternatives | Express care through letters, text messaging, and video calls |
| Flowers | Not permitted due to the risk of infection |
| Covid Certificate | Required for all visitors to Rotunda Hospital from December 1, 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Covid-19 restrictions
As of June 2024, Tallaght Hospital in Dublin has restricted visiting hours due to outbreaks of Covid-19 and Norovirus. The hospital has said that there is "no visiting allowed, with the exception of prior arrangement with a patient's medical team in the circumstances of end-of-life or critical illness". The hospital is arranging a service for visitors to express care to relatives through letters, text messaging, and video calls.
In August 2023, a Dublin hospital enforced restrictions on visitors following a Covid-19 outbreak. The hospital limited visitors to one per patient and did not allow children on-site. Visitors were instructed to wear a mask if requested by staff and were discouraged from visiting if they had any symptoms of the virus.
In May 2021, hospitals in Northern Ireland eased restrictions, allowing every patient to benefit from a daily visit with at least one person. The Health Minister recognised the importance of visiting for those receiving care and encouraged safe visiting practices, including social distancing and hand hygiene.
During the pandemic, some hospitals in Ireland, such as the Rotunda Hospital, required all visitors to provide a Covid certificate or pass. This was due to the rise in Covid-19 infections and the low vaccine uptake among pregnant women and their partners. The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended the use of the 'Covid Pass/Certificate' for visitation to healthcare settings.
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Maternity and paediatrics
Rotunda Hospital Dublin
The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland's busiest maternity hospital, allows one named Nominated Support Person (NSP) to stay with any woman admitted to their Delivery Suites. This includes for caesarean sections. Occasionally, they receive requests from patients who want two support people with them for their labour and birth. However, no more than two people will be permitted at the bedside at the same time.
For Paediatric Outpatients Appointments, both parents and a support partner/significant other are allowed. Baby/infant siblings are not allowed to attend, but they may visit between 2 pm and 8 pm and must be supervised by an adult other than the mother.
Children's Health Ireland
For children who are not staying overnight, only one parent or guardian is allowed to visit. Siblings, other family, and friends are not permitted, but exceptions may be made in special circumstances. Close family and friends may visit for short periods of time, but visiting times must be agreed upon in advance with the clinical nurse manager in charge of the ward.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and visits outside of the usual visiting times may only take place under special circumstances with approval from the clinical nurse manager.
All visitors must wash their hands or use the alcohol gel provided when entering and leaving the ward.
General Information
As of July 2022, visiting restrictions have been lifted at all acute hospitals in Ireland, including maternity hospitals. However, visitors with COVID-19 symptoms should not attend the hospital, and risk assessments may be required if cases increase.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals restricted access to wards to protect vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, and staff. This included partners and husbands of women giving birth, leading to thousands labouring alone.
HSE guidelines state that women should be permitted and encouraged to have a birth partner present during labour and birth, as it significantly impacts their safety and well-being.
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End-of-life patients
Visiting restrictions are in place at many hospitals in Ireland to protect vulnerable patients and healthcare staff. However, hospitals generally recognise the importance of allowing visitors for patients, especially in end-of-life situations.
At St James's Hospital, visitors are allowed during specified visiting hours, and children under 14 are also permitted with prior permission. The hospital requests that visitors adhere to certain guidelines, such as refraining from sitting on patients' beds or touching medical equipment, and it encourages off-ward visiting.
The Mater Private Network allows one visitor at a time for routine visits or upon the patient's request, unless it is an end-of-life situation, in which case more flexible arrangements can be made. They also encourage visits to occur away from mealtimes and in the patient's bed space.
The Saolta University Health Care Group, which includes hospitals such as Letterkenny University Hospital and Portiuncula University Hospital, has implemented visiting restrictions, allowing visits only in end-of-life circumstances following discussion with the nursing manager.
Overall, while hospitals in Ireland generally restrict visitors to protect vulnerable patients and staff, they often make exceptions for end-of-life patients, understanding the importance of allowing loved ones to be present during these difficult times. Visitors are still expected to follow infection control measures and other guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
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Northern Ireland guidance
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has issued specific guidance regarding visiting arrangements in hospitals. The guidance, titled 'Enabling Safer Visiting', broadly reinstates the normal visiting arrangements that were in place before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also grants local ward managers the authority to impose temporary restrictions in certain cases to protect vulnerable patients.
The guidance emphasises the importance of hand hygiene, social distancing, and refraining from visiting if one feels unwell. Additionally, it is recommended that visitors do not bring hot drinks into clinical rooms. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser or gel is provided at all ward entrances, and visitors are instructed to disinfect their hands each time they enter or leave the ward.
In the case of overcrowding, hospitals may request that visitors rotate their visits. This is particularly relevant in emergency departments, where congestion can occur due to patient volume and those awaiting beds. In such situations, hospitals will prioritise the presence of a visitor or carer for patients with additional needs.
For children's hospitals in Northern Ireland, specific guidelines are in place. When a child is admitted, parents or guardians are issued with two visitor cards, which must be presented upon entry to the hospital. If the child is staying overnight, one parent can stay with them in their room or utilise the on-site parent accommodation. In cases where the child is not staying overnight, only one parent or guardian is permitted to accompany them, while siblings and other family members are generally not allowed to visit. However, exceptions may be made in special circumstances.
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Flowers and gifts
Flowers:
While flowers are a popular choice for get-well gifts, many hospitals in Ireland have implemented restrictions on flowers due to hygiene and safety concerns. Most of Ireland's main hospitals have banned fresh flowers on wards to prevent issues such as allergies, water spillages, vase breakages, and creating extra work for nurses. Specifically, the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group and UL Hospitals Group have stopped visitors from bringing flowers to ensure optimum hygiene and safety.
The country's three national children's hospitals also discourage fresh flowers and plants in high-risk clinical areas, including intensive care, oncology, and respiratory wards. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the ward before bringing flowers. Silk or plastic floral arrangements are usually acceptable, but ensure they do not contain decorative moss. Alternatively, you can bring colourful tissue paper and craft pipe cleaners to create floral arrangements during your visit.
Gifts:
When it comes to gifts, hospitals generally encourage visitors to bring items that will cheer up the patient without causing any clutter or hygiene issues. Here are some gift ideas that are usually welcome:
- Fruit baskets: While fresh flowers may be restricted, fruit baskets can be a colourful and healthy alternative. However, check with the ward first, as some hospitals may have restrictions due to potential allergies or infection risks.
- Books, magazines, and colouring books: These can provide entertainment and help pass the time for the patient.
- Games and crafts: Board games, puzzles, or craft activities can be especially engaging for children, offering a fun distraction during their hospital stay.
- Stuffed toys: While some hospitals restrict stuffed animals due to dust and pathogen concerns, they may be allowed in certain cases, providing comfort and companionship to the patient.
- Blankets: A colourful or personalised blanket can brighten up the patient's room and provide warmth during their stay.
It is always a good idea to check with the hospital ward before bringing any gifts to ensure they align with the hospital's policies and the patient's needs. Some hospitals may have specific drop-off locations or guidelines for delivering gifts, especially during special circumstances. Additionally, consider the patient's preferences and any potential allergies or sensitivities they may have.
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Frequently asked questions
Visitor access to hospitals in Ireland has been restricted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Some hospitals have enforced stricter restrictions following COVID-19 outbreaks. In general, one visitor per patient is allowed, and visitors must wear a mask if requested by a member of staff.
Yes, there are some exceptions. For maternity wards, one partner is allowed during labour and delivery. For patients under 18, two parents or guardians may visit, but only one at a time. Patients at the end of life may have up to four close family members or other important people visit, but only two at a time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some hospitals in Ireland did not allow any visitors. As of May 2021, visitors were allowed back into hospitals in Northern Ireland, but with social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines in place. It is best to check with individual hospitals for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, some hospitals in Ireland have restricted flowers due to their risk of infection to susceptible patients. In addition, visitors were required to present a COVID certificate to access certain hospitals, such as the Rotunda Hospital, in late 2021.
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