asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the serious inconvenience and distress caused to patients and their families by the current outmoded internal hospital regulations concerning visiting hours; and if his Department will undertake to make recommendations to the boards of the various hospitals in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Visiting Hours.
11.
I am not aware that existing visiting hours of hospitals are generally regarded as unsatisfactory. Indeed, hospitals normally relax their visiting regulations to allow seriously ill patients to be visited or where visitors have to travel long distances.
However, if the Deputy is aware of any instances where he considers visiting regulations are unsatisfactory, I shall be prepared to have them investigated if he supplies particulars.