People urged to stick to visit times

Patricia McStay, Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology for the Southern Trust said, ” We understand that when a friend or family member has a baby it is exciting to meet the new arrival.

“However, we would emphasise just how important it is for people to stick to the allocated visiting times in our maternity wards.

“We also ask visitors not to bring balloons, flowers or perishable foods that may spoil or bring infection into the hospital and please wait until mum and baby get home before giving them gifts.”

Adult, children and maternity wards in Craigavon and Daisy Hill are open to visitors between 3pm and 4pm and 6.45pm and 8.15pm, while Lurgan Hospital is open to visitors during the same hours. Patient’s partners may visit between 10am and 9.30pm.

Craigavon’s Intensive Care Unit is open only between 2pm and 8.15pm. The same hours apply to Daisy Hill’s High Dependency Unit.

Visiting times are displayed on posters around the hospitals and at ward entrances. The visiting policy is available on the Trust website www.southerntrust.hscni.net.