F.A.Q.
The following contains the answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients and prospective patients to the hospital. If the answer you require is not available here, please email us or ring us on 044 93 85300.
- Where is the hospital located?
The hospital is located at Ballinderry, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
For a map of how to get to the hospital click here
- What are the visiting hours?
Our visiting times are as follows
Monday - Sunday
9.00am - 10.00pm (open visiting)
We kindly request that relatives/visitors who are unwell or have been in contact with an infectious illness not to visit the hospital under any circumstances. This is to protect the wellness and well being of the patients in our care.
- Can children attend the hospital?
Yes children are very welcomed at our hospital for both in-patient and out-patient treatments. We also offer Saturday appointments for out-patients treatments.
- Is there a church/chapel on the grounds?
Yes we have a Roman Catholic chapel on our grounds. Mass times are as follows
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9.30am
- Thursday, Friday: 5.15pm
- Saturday: 10.30am
- Sunday: 9.30am
- Where do I go when attending the hospital for treatment?
On arrival to the hospital, we kindly request that all patients check-in at the main reception desk which is located on the ground floor of the hospital. If you anticipate that you may arrive later than your appointment time, please contact us so that we can ensure that we make the necessary amendments to our daily schedule to facilitate you and our other patients.
Reception: 044 93 85300
Admissions: 044 93 85320
For further information re the admissions please click here
- What do I need to bring to the hospital as an adult patient?
The following is a list of items required by adults admitted to our hospital
- Pyjamas
- Dressing Gown
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Medications
- Personal Items i.e. glasses, hearing aids etc.
- Book or Magazine
- Details of Health Insurance
Remember: Please leave your valuables at home
- What do I need to bring for my child who is admitted to the hospital?
The following is a list of Items required by children admitted to our hospital
- Nappies & Nappy Bags
- Wipes
- Barrier Cream
- Soother/Comforter
- Formula & Bottle
- Pyjamas
- Dressing Gown
- Slippers
- Change of Underwear
- Towel
- Favourite Toy/Game
- Details of Health Insurance
For further information re the admissions please click here
- Can I stay with my child at the hospital?
Yes. All children under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian overnight. We will provide either a camp bed or comfortable armchair for the parent/guardian. Whenever possible we will offer a bed.
- If I have a cold or cold sore can my surgical procedure still take place?
No. We are unable to carry out elective surgical procedures when patients are suffering from a viral infection such as a cold, the sniffles or cold sore.
If you are suffering from one of these symptoms, we kindly request that you ring the admissions office in advance so that we can reschedule your procedure.
Admissions: 044 93 85320
- What health insurance do you accept?
We accept
- VHI
- Quinn Healthcare
- Hibernian AVIVA
- ESB
- Garda Medical
- Prison Officers
- NTPF
For further information re our Payment Options please click here
- Can I pay directly for my treatments?
We also cater for non-insured patients on a case by case basis.
We accept
- VISA
- Mastercard
- Laser
- Cheque/Cash
For further information re our Payment Options please click here
- Do you accept credit cards/cash?
We accept
- VISA
- Mastercard
- Laser
- Cheque/Cash
For further information re our Payment Options please click here
- Is there a coffee shop?
Yes we have a fully functioning coffee shop in the hospital serving hot and cold food and drinks. It is located just inside the main reception door.
Our coffee shop opening hours are
Monday - Saturday
9am - 3pm
We also have a number of vending machines located in the hospital providing snacks.
- Is there a shop?
Whilst we don`t have a separate shop in the hospital, we do sell various national and local newspapers from our main reception desk.
Our coffee shop sells hot and cold drinks and snacks and there is also a mobile shop that operates throughout the hospital.
- Is there a TV in the room?
Yes all rooms have TVs. There is a charge of €2 for TV use. Coins are available from reception.
- What facilities are available at the hospital?
We have a wide range of facilities on our grounds.
Facilities include:
- 60 Acute Beds
- 43 Nursing Home Beds (St. Clair`s Nursing Home)
- 4 Theatres
- Endoscopy Suite
- Laboratory
- Ultrasound & Dexa Scanning
- Pulmonary Unit
- Sleep Unit
- Radiology
- Physiotherapy
- Dietetics
- Day Care
- Infusion Service (Point of Care)
- Doctor on Call
- Pharmacy
- Chapel
- Consultants Clinic (Ballinderry Clinic)
- How can I give a compliment to the hospital/member of staff?
On admission to the hospital we issue all patients with a "Compliments, Comments & Complaints Form" which we kindly ask that they complete before leaving the hospital. All completed forms can be left in your room or at reception on discharge.
We warmly welcome any compliments or positive feedback you would like to extend to our staff and the hospital. If you would like to leave a compliment you can do so by sending us an email
Our testimonials page highlights other compliments we have received from past patients and their families.
- How can I make a complaint about the hospital/member of staff?
On admission to the hospital we issue all patients with a ‘Compliments, Comments & Complaints Form` which we kindly ask that they complete before leaving the hospital. All completed forms can be left in your room or at reception on discharge.
As patients and clients of our facilities, we also actively encourage you to bring any issue or complaint in relation to your care or the service provided at the hospital to the immediate attention of a senior member of staff. Should you remain dissatisfied please forward a formal written complaint to the Assistant Director of Nursing. All complaints will be treated with respect and confidentiality in accordance with our complaints procedure policy.
You can also make a complaint by sending us an email
- This is a private hospital. Is it only for people with private health insurance?
Whilst our hospital is a private hospital, members of the public with or without private medical insurance can attend.
St. Francis Private Hospital is happy to accept payment for any of our services in the following formats.
We accept
- VHI
- Quinn Healthcare
- Hibernian AVIVA
- ESB
- Garda Medical
- Prison Officers
- NTPF
We also cater for non-insured patients on a case by case basis.
We accept
- VISA
- Mastercard
- Laser
- Cheque/Cash
We kindly ask that all patients covered by health insurance provide details of their membership number and insurance plan on admission. At this stage we will be able to confirm any excess which is payable to us. We request that all charges/payments are settled with us at admission.
To arrange an appointment with one of our consultants click here or to view our extensive range of services click here
- Do I need to bring my prescription/medication with me?
Yes. Please bring your prescription and an adequate supply of medication for the duration of your stay. These medicines should include any inhalers, injections or aerosols and homeopathic/herbal remedies. This also includes mechanical ventilation or other devises utilised in your treatment or care.
- When in the hospital can I move around as I please?
During your stay you must not leave the ward/area without the permission of the nurse in charge. Once permission is granted a sign in/out book must be completed. This is for your own safety and the safety of others.
- When can I leave the hospital?
Following the decision that you are well enough for discharge from our care, the nurse in charge of your care will organise any follow up services you may require. You may be requested to wait in the lounge prior to discharge. We request that rooms are vacated before 10am.
