Brighton Hospital Visiting Hours

Planning a visit to Brighton Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal is easier when you know the latest visiting times and rules. This guide summarises verified information from official sources so you can plan your visit safely and respectfully.

Hospital Overview

Brighton Hospital is a public district hospital located in the Bluff area of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. It falls under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and provides general hospital services to the surrounding community, including outpatient care, inpatient wards and maternity services.

The hospital is listed on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health site as “Brighton District Hospital” and is part of the eThekwini Health District’s public healthcare network, serving mainly local residents who rely on state health services.
(Reference: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health – Brighton Hospital profile: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/brightonhospital.htm)

Visiting Hours

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s official page for Brighton Hospital, general visiting times are structured in two daily sessions for most wards:

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday):
  • Afternoon: 14:00 – 15:00
  • Evening: 19:00 – 20:00
• Weekends and Public Holidays:
  • In many KZN public hospitals, the same pattern of afternoon and evening visiting is followed; however, the Brighton Hospital page stresses that visiting is “strictly controlled” and can change based on clinical needs and infection control requirements. Because the official site does not explicitly list different hours for weekends, visitors should assume the same times apply unless told otherwise by the hospital.

The official KZN Department of Health page notes that visiting regulations may be adjusted at short notice, particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health concerns. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you confirm visiting times directly with the hospital before you go.
(Reference: Brighton Hospital – KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/brightonhospital.htm)

Key points for visiting hours:

• Standard visiting sessions are 14:00–15:00 and 19:00–20:00 for most wards.
• Visiting is strictly controlled, and exceptions are at the discretion of clinical staff.
• Times may vary for specialised areas (e.g. maternity, high-care, paediatrics), so always check with the ward.

Contact Details

Official contact information for Brighton Hospital is published by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health:

• Hospital Name: Brighton District Hospital
• Address:
  Brighton Road, Bluff
  Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
• Telephone (main switchboard): +27 (0)31 451 5000
• Fax: +27 (0)31 451 5015

(Reference: Brighton Hospital contact details – KZN Department of Health: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/brightonhospital.htm)

Because visiting arrangements can change, you should phone the hospital before travelling, especially if:

• You plan to visit a patient in a specialist ward (e.g. maternity or paediatrics).
• You are travelling from far away.
• There are known public health alerts or restrictions in your area.

When you call, ask for the specific ward (e.g. medical, surgical, maternity) and verify the current visiting hours and any special rules.

Important Visitor Guidelines

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health sets general visitor principles for all provincial hospitals, including Brighton Hospital. While the Brighton page itself highlights that visiting is “strictly controlled,” standard KZN public hospital practice includes the following key guidelines:

1. Limit the number of visitors
   Most wards restrict the number of visitors per patient at any one time to reduce noise, ensure privacy and maintain infection control. Often only two visitors per patient are allowed during a visiting session, but the exact number is determined by ward staff.

2. Respect visiting times
   Arrive and leave within the official visiting hours (14:00–15:00 and 19:00–20:00, unless told otherwise). Outside these times, access is usually limited to emergencies or by special arrangement with the ward manager or treating doctor.

3. Children as visitors
   Many public hospitals discourage or restrict young children from visiting adult wards because they are more vulnerable to infections. If you need to bring a child, confirm with the hospital first.

4. Infection control and hygiene
   • Use hand sanitiser or wash your hands when entering and leaving the ward.
   • Do not visit if you are feeling unwell (e.g. flu, diarrhoea, fever).
   • Follow any mask or PPE instructions given by staff, especially during outbreaks or in high‑risk wards.
5. No disruptive behaviour
   Visitors are expected to keep noise to a minimum, avoid overcrowding around beds and follow staff instructions at all times. Alcohol, weapons and disruptive behaviour are not tolerated and may lead to removal from the premises.

6. Gifts and food
   Some wards may restrict outside food, flowers or certain items for clinical or infection‑control reasons. If you plan to bring food or other items, ask the ward staff first.

7. Photography and privacy
   To protect patient privacy, photography or video recording inside wards is generally not allowed unless you have explicit permission from the patient and staff.

Because rules can vary slightly between hospitals and wards, always follow the instructions of Brighton Hospital staff on duty. For the latest guideline updates across KZN public facilities, refer to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za

FAQs

1. What are the standard visiting hours at Brighton Hospital?
According to the KZN Department of Health, standard visiting hours at Brighton Hospital are 14:00–15:00 and 19:00–20:00 for most wards, every day, but visiting is strictly controlled and may be adjusted. Always confirm with the hospital before visiting.
(Reference: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/brightonhospital.htm)

2. Are visiting hours different for weekends and public holidays?
The official Brighton Hospital page does not list separate weekend or public holiday hours. In practice, many KZN public hospitals use the same afternoon and evening sessions on weekends, but this can change. Call the hospital switchboard to confirm the current times for the day you plan to visit.

3. Can children visit patients at Brighton Hospital?
Children may face restrictions depending on the ward, the patient’s condition and infection‑control requirements. Some wards discourage young children from visiting. Check with the specific ward before bringing a child to the hospital.

4. How do I confirm visiting hours for a specific ward (e.g. maternity or paediatrics)?
Phone the main switchboard on +27 (0)31 451 5000 and ask to be transferred to the relevant ward. The ward staff can give you the most up‑to‑date visiting hours and any special rules for that area.

5. Can I visit outside of official visiting hours in an emergency?
Exceptions outside normal visiting hours are at the discretion of clinical staff and are usually limited to emergencies or very serious cases. If you believe an exception is necessary, contact the ward directly and speak to the nurse in charge or the treating doctor.

For the most accurate information, visitors should rely on the official KZN Department of Health page for Brighton Hospital and direct communication with hospital staff: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/brightonhospital.htm