Visiting times
For most wards, visiting times are:
- 2.30pm to 4.30pm
- 6.30pm to 8.15pm
Visiting times are displayed at the entrance to the wards. If a ward has unusual visiting times, patients and their carers or relatives will be informed.
To check visiting times, please call the ward or department before you visit. Contact details are available here.
Visiting at mealtimes is restricted. There are exceptions for seriously ill patients and those visitors helping out with meals. If a patient is seriously ill, close family and friends may visit out of hours, but this should be agreed with the ward manager.
Who can visit
Visiting is normally limited to two people at any one time, with some exceptions. Children aged under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged under five years are only allowed to visit in exceptional circumstances.
Your responsibilities as a visitor
Please help us fight infection by following these four simple rules when you visit the hospital:
- clean your hands before and after visiting a ward
- do not visit if you feel unwell
- do not bring perishable foods into a hospital
- stick to the visiting times and the numbers of visitors allowed
The Trust has a zero tolerance policy on violence. Staff or visitors behaving in a threatening or abusive way will be required to leave.
Visitors with mobile phones, cameras or camcorders should ensure they are turned off while in the hospital.
Bringing food into hospital
Please do not bring perishable foods or foods containing allergens into hospital. If you are unsure whether a food contains allergens, please ask nursing staff for advice.
Perishable foods include:
- meats
- poultry
- dairy products
- sandwiches
- takeaway food
Foods with allergens include, but are not limited to:
- nuts
- eggs
- fish
Foods that may be brought into a hospital include:
- sweets
- fruit
- foods that can be safely stored at room temperature
- non-alcoholic drinks
In exceptional circumstances, perishable foods may be brought into hospital with the permission of the ward manager. All foods brought into hospital should be given to nursing staff for correct labelling and storage.
Gifts for patients
Gifts of alcohol or cigarettes are strictly forbidden. You can ask a nurse for advice on appropriate gifts for patients.
Books, magazines, crosswords, puzzles and small games are ideal gifts as they help pass the time.
Flowers and pot plants are not permitted in wards as an infection control measure.
Postal arrangements
Please ensure you clearly address any mail to a patient as follows:
Patient’s full name
Ward number
Mater Hospital
45-51 Crumlin Road
Belfast
BT14 6AB
We also collect outgoing mail from the wards. Please ensure you have added the correct postage stamps to your mail.