St Francis Chronic Hospital Visiting Hours 2025

St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours have long been a concern for families seeking to maintain meaningful contact with loved ones receiving long-term care.

Have you ever arrived at a hospital only to find you’ve missed the St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours or that policies have changed without notice?

Understanding the correct St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours and visitation guidelines can prevent stress and ensure support during crucial moments.

That’s why staying informed about St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours matters to anyone who previously relied on its services or is now seeking alternatives nearby.

St Francis Chronic Hospital Visiting Hours and Visiting Times

St Francis Chronic Hospital, previously located in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, was a government-funded facility specialising in tuberculosis (TB) and chronic care services. The hospital ceased operations in 2022. This section provides accurate details on St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours and ward-specific visiting times as they were implemented before the hospital’s closure.

General Visiting Times and Restrictions

Before its closure, St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting times were scheduled to ensure optimal patient care and minimal disruptions in general wards. These times were especially important for family members and caregivers wishing to maintain regular contact with loved ones. St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours:

• Weekdays: 08:00 – 16:00
• Weekends and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 13:00

The hospital’s general policy around visiting hours balanced the needs of patient recovery with the emotional support provided by visitors.

Special Visiting Times for Specific Wards

During its operational period, St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours differed for various wards to accommodate specific patient care routines. These specialised times were clearly communicated to visitors upon patient admission.

• Maternity Ward:
  • Visiting Hours: 10:00 – 12:00 and 15:00 – 17:00
  • Only immediate family members were allowed.
• Children’s Ward:
  • Visiting Hours: 11:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:00
  • Parents or legal guardians only; no siblings under 12 years old.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU):
  • Visiting Hours: 09:00 – 10:00 and 17:00 – 18:00
  • Only permitted with prior approval from medical staff.

Maintaining discipline around visiting hours in these wards ensured specialised care and reduced risk of infection or disruption.

Evening and Emergency Visits

Even though St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting hours were generally fixed, the facility also allowed exceptions for evening and emergency visits, based on the patient’s condition and urgency of the situation.

• Evening Visits:
  • Only allowed in exceptional cases such as critical illness.
  • Required prior arrangement with the ward’s nursing team.
• Emergency Visits:
  • Allowed outside regular visiting hours, upon approval by attending staff.
  • Visitors had to report to reception for registration and clearance.

These flexible arrangements around visiting hours reflected the hospital’s commitment to patient dignity and compassionate care.

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Hospital Visitor Policies at St Francis Chronic Hospital

Prior to its closure in 2022, St Francis Chronic Hospital had established comprehensive visitor policies to ensure patient safety and comfort. These policies were designed to balance the therapeutic benefits of visitation with the operational needs of the hospital.​

General Visitor Guidelines

The hospital implemented specific guidelines to maintain a conducive environment for patient recovery:​

• Visiting Hours:
  • Weekdays: 08:00 – 16:00
  • Weekends and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 13:00​
• Visitor Eligibility:
  • Visitors were required to be 12 years of age or older.
  • A maximum of two visitors per patient at any given time.
  • Visits were limited to 30 minutes to minimise disruption to patient care.
• Health and Safety Measures:
  • Visitors exhibiting symptoms of illness were advised to postpone their visit.
  • Hand hygiene protocols were enforced, with sanitisation stations available throughout the facility.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) was provided when necessary, especially in high-risk areas.

These measures were in place to protect both patients and visitors, ensuring a safe and healing environment.​

Special Considerations

Certain situations warranted exceptions to the standard visitor policies:​

• Critical Care Units:
  • Visiting hours were adjusted to accommodate the sensitive nature of patient care.
  • Visitors were required to coordinate with medical staff for appropriate visitation times.
• End-of-Life Care:
  • The hospital provided flexible visitation arrangements to support families during difficult times.
  • Extended visiting hours and increased visitor numbers were permitted upon approval.
• Paediatric and Maternity Wards:
  • Visitation policies were tailored to the needs of children and new mothers, with specific guidelines to ensure their well-being.
  • Only immediate family members were allowed, and visiting times were scheduled to align with patient care routines.​

These special considerations highlighted the hospital’s commitment to compassionate care, adapting policies to meet individual patient needs.​

Although St Francis Chronic Hospital is no longer operational, understanding its visitor policies provides insight into the standards of patient care and safety that were upheld.

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Directions and Parking at St Francis Chronic Hospital

St Francis Chronic Hospital was situated in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, serving the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality. Although the hospital ceased operations in 2022, understanding its location and access routes remains relevant for historical context and for those seeking alternative healthcare facilities in the area.​

Location and Access Routes

The hospital was located at the intersection of Bantu Street and Molotsane Street in Aliwal North. The town is accessible via major roads:

• From East London: Approximately 300 km via the N6, around 3.5 hours by car.
• From Bloemfontein: Approximately 200 km via the N6, around 2.5 hours by car.
• From Lady Grey: Approximately 58 km west via the R58.

These routes facilitated access for patients and visitors from various parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State provinces.

Parking Facilities

During its operational period, St Francis Chronic Hospital provided on-site parking for visitors. The parking area was located adjacent to the main entrance, offering convenient access to the hospital’s outpatient and inpatient departments.​

• Visitor Parking: Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Disabled Parking: Designated spaces were available near the main entrance for visitors with disabilities.​

Visitors were advised to arrive early during peak visiting hours to secure parking, especially during weekends and public holidays.​

Public Transport Options

Aliwal North is serviced by regional minibus taxis and long-distance bus services. The main taxi rank is located in the town centre, approximately 2 km from the former hospital site. Passengers could use local taxis or arrange for private transport to reach the hospital.​

• Minibus Taxis: Regular services to and from surrounding towns and villages.
• Long-Distance Buses: Stops in Aliwal North on routes between major cities.​

While the hospital is no longer operational, these transport options continue to serve residents accessing other healthcare facilities in the region.​

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Contact Information for St Francis Chronic Hospital

Prior to its closure in 2022, St Francis Chronic Hospital was a provincially aided facility located in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape. For historical reference or administrative purposes, the following contact details were associated with the hospital:​

• Physical Address: Dukathole Bantu St, Aliwal North, 9750 Maletswai, 9750, South Africa.
• Phone Number: +27516332741.

Please note that since the hospital is no longer operational, these contact details may no longer be active. For current healthcare services in the region, individuals are advised to contact the Eastern Cape Department of Health or nearby medical facilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting St Francis Chronic Hospital

St Francis Chronic Hospital, located in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, was a provincially aided facility specialising in tuberculosis (TB) and chronic care services. The hospital ceased operations in 2022. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding its past operations and current status.

Is St Francis Chronic Hospital currently operational?

No, St Francis Chronic Hospital ceased operations in 2022. The facility is no longer providing medical services. For healthcare needs in the Aliwal North area, residents are advised to contact nearby facilities such as Aliwal North Hospital.

Are there any alternative hospitals nearby?

Yes, Aliwal North Hospital is located approximately 1 km from the former site of St Francis Chronic Hospital. It offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, maternity services, and chronic disease management. Residents can contact Aliwal North Hospital at +27 51 634 2381 for more information.​

How can I obtain medical records from St Francis Chronic Hospital?

Since the hospital has been closed, accessing medical records may require contacting the Eastern Cape Department of Health. They can provide guidance on the process for retrieving archived medical records from defunct facilities.

Staying informed about St Francis Chronic Hospital visiting times is essential for families who once depended on this facility for long-term care. While the hospital is no longer operational, knowing the former visiting times helps provide clarity and direction when seeking alternative healthcare options.

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