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Home Our Hospitals Craigavon Area Hospital Visitor / Patient Information

Visitor / Patient Information

If you need further information while staying in our hospitals or visiting please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff. 

  • Visiting Times

    https://southerntrust.hscni.net/about-us/visiting-information/

  • Meal Times

    Meal times may vary slightly but generally are:
    Breakfast 8-9am
    Lunch 12-1.30pm
    Evening Meal 4.45-6pm

    The Trust has a ‘Protected Meal Times Policy’ which means that there are no nonurgent patient visits during meal times. This gives staff more time to assist patients who need help with eating and gives patients time to eat their meals without being disturbed.

    Only relatives/carers who are actively assisting in your care or are requested by members of staff are permitted to the ward during meal times.

    A choice of meals is available which patients can select from the daily menu card. Please advise staff if you have any special dietary needs e.g. diabetic, vegetarian, Halal, or Kosher. Patients with special dietary needs will be referred to the dietitian.

  • Access for people with a disability

     

    If you need any special assistance then please let the hospital know in advance of your visit. For assistance on the day of your visit contact our Portering Service which is located on the ground floor in our A&E Department or ask any member of staff for help.

    Loop systems, minicoms and other special equipment are located in various departments to assist people with the hearing impairments. Please ask a member of staff if you require any help.

    Guide Dogs are permitted in most hospital facilities. However due to infection control and health and safety regulations access may be prohibited or limited. Please ask a member of staff.

  • Use of Mobile Phones/Cameras/Video

    You are asked to respect other patients when using mobile phones in wards. Calls should be kept to a minimum and not disrupt the rest and recuperation of other patients. Photographs/videos taken on mobile phones/ cameras/ video/ laptops can only be done with the explicit consent of those involved and the staff on the ward and must not be used in any public forum without this consent having been given.

  • Reducing the risk of Infection

    You can help reduce your risk of infection by:
    • Keeping your hands and body clean.
    • Using hand gels provided on the ward.
    • Washing your hands before eating or drinking.
    • Washing your hands after using the toilet/commode.
    • Asking your visitor not to sit on your bed or to touch any medical equipment, drips, drains or medical dressings.
    • NOT leaving the ward with any piece of medical equipment attached, e.g. drip stand, chest drains due to infection control and health and safety reasons.

  • Interpreters

    The Trust has an interpreting and translation service for patients who do not speak English. Sign Interpreters are also available for patients with a hearing impairment. Information can be translated into other formats, such as Braille or audio tape for patients with a visual impairment. Please inform staff as soon as possible if you need this service.

  • Chaplaincy Service

    The Chaplains/Pastoral Care Team are from the 4 main Christian denominations. On admission you will be asked your religious denomination. This information will be made available to the Hospital Chaplains. In addition, you will be asked if you would like your name to be added to the Visiting Clergy and Pastoral Workers list. They can also, at your request, contact other churches or faith communities on your behalf. Chaplains visit wards regularly, offering pastoral care to patients, their families/carers and staff.

  • Quiet Room/Church

    You may wish to visit the Quiet Room to pray or sit quietly to reflect or meditate. The Quiet Room is located on the ground floor on the corridor as you approach the lifts. It is open 9.00am to 9.00pm and outside of these hours by contacting the Portering Service. Gideon’s Bibles are also available on wards for patient use. Ask your nurse if you would like a copy.

  • Shops / Vending Machines

    Craigavon Area Hospital has shops in the main foyer area which sell newspapers, fruit, confectionery and gifts. If you would like to and feel fit to go to the shop please discuss with staff before leaving the ward. A trolley shop service also visits Craigavon wards daily.

    Vending machines are available in various departments throughout the hospital, such as A & E, Maternity Department and the Dining Room.

  • ATM/Cash Dispenser

    An ATM is available in the main hospital foyer.

  • What to bring into hospital
    • Relevant paperwork/admission letter/medical card.
    • All medicines that you are taking
    • Your mobility aids, e.g. Walking stick, rollator.
    • Nightdress/pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers, personal toiletries, towel, tissues, hairbrush or comb, shaving kit for men.
    • Dentures, hearing aid, glasses or contact lenses, if worn.
    • Books/magazines.
    • Small amount of cash for hospital shop/trolley.
  • What not to bring into hospital
    •  Please do not bring large sums of money into hospital or anything of high value, unless absolutely necessary.
    • If you must bring high value items into hospital please give them to nurse who will bring to the Cashiers office for safekeeping. You will be given a receipt. Money will be returned to you in Cheque form. The hospital will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings that have not been handed over for safe keeping. You will be asked to sign a Personal Property Disclaimer on admission.
    • Alcohol or perishable food.
    • Flowers/plants.
    • Electrical appliances or cameras, except for Maternity Department
  • Medicines

    It is very important for clinical staff to know about all the medicines you are taking as they may want to prescribe new medicines or treatment for you.

    Please bring all medicines that you are currently taking, including any homeopathic or herbal remedies, inhalers, injections, creams or patches. It is also important for you to bring in any special cards, which give specific information on treatment or allergies, for example, steroid or warfarin card. If you have one of these cards please show it immediately to a member of staff.

    Your medicines will be stored in a locked cupboard, container or fridge on the ward. Some wards in the hospital operate a system where a patient’s own supplies of medication are used as part of their treatment in hospital. If this applies to you, you will receive more information about this on the ward.

    When you are discharged, it is helpful if you can remind staff if you have any of your own medicines stored in the hospital. Any of your medicines stored in the hospital can be returned to you when you are discharged, unless you do not need them anymore and would like the hospital to dispose of them.

    Please do not keep your own medications and continue to take them or take any medicines brought to you by visitors, as this could be dangerous. Please inform the Nurse in Charge if this occurs. If you have any questions about your medicines, ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or pharmacist.

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