We kindly request that all visitors familiarize themselves with the visiting hours of the hospital you are visiting as times can vary. On arrival at the hospital if you know the ward/ room the patient is staying, directional signage will point you to the right location. If the ward/ room number where the patient is staying is not known, visit the Patient and Visitor Service Centre to obtain this information. It is not necessary to contact the hospital ward first before planning a visit to see a patient for any HMC hospital.

Visitor numbers

The number of visitors permitted is often dependent on the health and circumstances of individual patients. Some hospital units have specific requirements in terms of visitation e.g. the Women’s Hospital consistently restricts the number of visitors which are allowed in the NICU, Operating Theatre and the Labor and Delivery Corridor; the ICU at Al Khor hospital permits only one visitor at a time.

In general, patients are allowed 2 visitors at a time but please check the specific guidance from the hospital you are visiting. Adults must accompany all child visitors, please see our visiting times section for visiting restrictions on children under 12.

Patient safety

We ask that all visitors to our hospitals practice careful hand washing. You should not visit any hospital if you have an active infection and/ or symptoms of active infection or have a communicable disease.

For hygiene and infection control purposes, outside food is not permitted to be brought into HMC hospitals. Our hospitals also reserve the right to refuse food deliveries which are made to patients.

Gifts

The following items are not permitted within our hospitals as they may compromise infection control measures:

• Pets/ animals
  
• Food (unless directed by a Physician or Dietitian)
  
• Organic materials (including carpets) and live plants
  
• Gifts which are made of glass or hazardous/ flammable materials

In terms of flowers, please check with the specific hospital you are visiting, as some hospitals do not permit flowers. If flowers are permitted you are advised to keep arrangements small, as to not cause an obstruction.

Parking

Parking is free of charge for patients and visitors to HMC hospitals. Please check the specific guidance for the hospital you are visiting with regards to additional services which may be available (e.g. valet parking).

Smoking restrictions

As per Qatar Law, smoking is prohibited in all public areas including all HMC grounds. All hospitals within HMC are smoke free. This smoking restriction extends to all staff, patients and visitors. Any person(s) smoking in hospitals or on hospital grounds will be asked by security to immediately cease smoking and a fine may be issued.