Public Hospital Visiting Hours SA Guide

When visiting a loved one in a public hospital, it’s important to know the hospital’s visiting hours to avoid any issues. Public hospitals in South Africa typically follow strict rules, and knowing these will make your visit smoother.

2024 General Visiting Hours

While visiting hours may vary from hospital to hospital, here are the general guidelines:

• Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00 and 19:00 – 20:00
• Weekends and Public Holidays: 15:00 – 17:00

Here are six real hospitals in South Africa and their typical visiting hours:

1. Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Soweto, Johannesburg):
   • Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 15:00 – 17:00
2. Tygerberg Hospital (Cape Town):
   • Weekdays: 15:30 – 16:30, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 15:00 – 17:00
3. Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria):
   • Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 14:30 – 17:00
4. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (Johannesburg):
   • Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 15:00 – 17:00
5. Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town):
   • Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 14:30 – 17:00
6. Addington Hospital (Durban):
   • Weekdays: 15:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 20:00
   • Weekends/Public Holidays: 15:00 – 17:00

Important Tips Before Visiting

• Check with the hospital: Always confirm the visiting hours with the specific hospital, as some may have different timings for certain wards.
• Bring your ID: Public hospitals often require ID or proof of identity when visiting.
• Be mindful of the ward rules: Some wards, like ICU or Maternity, may have stricter or shorter visiting times, and sometimes only close family can visit.
• Limit the number of visitors: Generally, no more than two people are allowed to visit a patient at the same time.
• Health checks: You might need to undergo a health screening (like temperature checks) before entering the ward, especially since the pandemic.

Special Cases

In certain situations, like for critically ill patients, hospitals may allow visits outside normal hours. It’s best to talk to the ward manager or nurse in charge to make arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the visiting hours and following the rules helps both you and the hospital staff to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. Call ahead, be polite, and remember to stick to the guidelines.

​