Visiting Hours
At Botshilu, we warmly welcome family and friends, understanding that your presence alongside your loved one is part of their healing.
Our visiting hours are designed to balance patients’ need for rest and clinical care with families’ genuine need to connect, support, and simply be there during difficult times.
Whether you’re visiting after surgery, supporting someone through serious illness, or welcoming a new baby, you’re welcome here.
Main Reception
Maternity Visiting Hours:
Paediatric Unit Visiting Hours:
Surgical A & B Ward and General Ward Visiting Hours:
NICU Visiting Hours:
ICU Visiting Hours:
Pharmacy Hours:
Due to health regulations, only two visitors are permitted per patient at a time. It is recommended to contact the hospital directly at 012 798 7000 for confirmation before visiting.
Visiting Guidelines
Number of Visitors
- Maximum 2 visitors at bedside at any time
- Large family groups are welcome. Please take turns
- Excessive visitors tire patients and disturb others
- For seriously ill patients, special arrangements can be discussed withthe nursing unit manager
We know large families want to show love and support. Taking turns ensures your loved one gets rest while still feeling surrounded by people who care.
Please Do
- Keep voices low, other patients nearby are resting
- Step outside the ward for mobile phone calls
- Use hand sanitiser before and after visiting, dispensers at ward entrances
- Respect patient privacy close curtains when personal care is being provided
- Follow infection control measures, wear masks if provided, follow isolation precautions if posted
- Park in designated visitor parking; free on-site parking is available
Please Don’t
- Visit if you’re unwell with a cold, flu, stomach bugs, or infections can spread to vulnerable patients with serious consequences. Please stay home and get well first. Your loved one will understand.
- Sit on patient beds infection control requirement
- Touch medical equipment drips, monitors, and pumps must not be adjusted
- Smoke anywhere on premises Botshilu is strictly smoke-free
- Bring alcohol onto the premises
- Take photos or videos without the patient’s consent
- Post about the patient’s condition on social media without permission
Children as Visitors
Children’s visits are encouraged, familiar faces lift spirits enormously:
- Children under 12 must be supervised at all times
- Keep children calm and quiet in the wards
- Some wards restrict young children during flu season
- Unwell children should not visit, children spread infections easily
Bringing Items for Patients
Food and Drinks:
Always check with nursing staff before bringing food or beverages. Many patients have strict medical dietary requirements, are nil-by-mouth, or have conditions affected by outside food. We want to help, not cause harm.
Botshilu Café on the ground floor provides meals, snacks, and quality coffee for visitors, and for mobile patients with nursing staff approval.
Flowers and Plants:
- Welcome in most general wards
- ICU prohibits flowers (infection risk)
- Consider patient allergies
- Keep arrangements smal, bedside space is limited
- Balloons are generally discouraged (latex allergy concerns)
Personal Items:
- Clothing, toiletries, books, tablets, and chargers are welcome
- Ensure valuables are secured or taken home, the hospital cannot accept responsibility for lost items
Infection Control
We take infection control seriously. Protecting vulnerable patients is our priority:
- Hand sanitiser at every ward entrance, please use it every time
- Masks may be required in certain areas; follow posted instructions
- Isolation precautions, some patients require isolation for infectious conditions; follow instructions posted outside rooms
- Report concerns, if you notice something that seems unclean or unsafe, tell nursing staff immediately
We understand that during challenging times, patients find strength and comfort in the presence of their families and loved ones. To support this, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable visitation experience. Please be aware of our visitation process and hours to inform your visitors.
For the safety and security of our patients, staff, and visitors, no firearms are permitted within the hospital premises. This policy is strictly enforced to maintain a safe environment.
Due to health and safety regulations, children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the wards. This measure protects them from potential exposure to illnesses and minimises disruptions.
We also encourage all visitors to be mindful of noise levels. A calm and quiet environment significantly contributes to the healing process, allowing patients to rest and recover effectively. Please speak softly and keep noise to a minimum.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in helping us maintain a safe and serene environment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns and Honest Answers
Yes. Nursing staff can provide general updates to the immediate family. For detailed information, speak with the patient directly or arrange to speak with nursing staff during visiting hours. Patient confidentiality means we can only share information with authorised family members.
Yes, with supervision. Very young children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. During flu season some wards restrict young children, check with nursing staff when you arrive.
Contact the ICU nursing staff directly, they'll advise on current visiting schedule. Typically 2–3 short visits daily. ICU staff are compassionate and understand how distressing it is having loved one in intensive care. They'll accommodate as much as medically possible.
Contact main reception: 012 798 7000 Have patient's full name ready. We'll direct you to the correct ward.
Only with nursing staff approval. Many patients have medical dietary restrictions, making outside food dangerous. Always check before bringing food, we want visits to be helpful, not harmful.
Patients have the absolute right to refuse visitors, including family. We respect this. If the patient requests no visitors, we honour that request. Please speak with the nursing staff if you're concerned about a patient's wishes.
Yes, family can be enormously helpful mediating when patients are anxious or difficult. Speak with nursing unit manager about how you can assist.
Doctors typically do ward rounds in mornings. Speak with nursing staff who can arrange for doctor to speak with you. You may need to be available during rounds. Patient's consent is needed for detailed medical information to be shared with family.