Our Lady’s Hospital Navan: Visiting Hours, Age Limit & More
If you’re checking the visiting times for a family member or need the phone number for that appointment, getting clear, up-to-date information about a hospital can be surprisingly tricky. Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, a general acute hospital with 134 beds, is the main public hospital for County Meath. This article brings together the key details you need, from specialties and visiting hours to what the recent age limit change to 16+ actually means for patients and visitors.
Beds: 134 · Phone: 046 907 8500 · Address: Moathill, Navan, Co. Meath · Eircode: C15 RK7Y · Emergency Department: Yes · Catchment Area: County Meath
Quick snapshot
- 134 beds (HSE hospital page)
- Emergency department open (HSE hospital page)
- Visiting hours: 2pm–4pm & 6pm–7:30pm (HSE hospital page)
- Managed by Ireland East Hospital Group (Ireland East Hospital Group)
- Exact visiting hours may vary by ward — Balreask ward has no afternoon visiting (HSE hospital page)
- Overnight stay policy for partners depends on circumstances (National visiting guidance (Lenus))
- Full outpatient clinic list not published on HSE page (HSE hospital page)
- Age limit of 16+ may not apply to all services — not explicitly stated (HSE hospital page)
- 2024 (reported): Age limit raised to 16+ (Irish Medical Times via Irish Times)
- Patients needing acute care may be redirected to other hospitals if age limit applies (HIQA inspection context)
- Visiting policy could tighten again during respiratory outbreaks (National visiting guidance (Lenus))
Here is a quick reference of the hospital’s core facts.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Hospital type | General acute hospital |
| Bed count | 134 |
| Emergency department | Yes |
| Phone | 046 907 8500 |
| Address | Moathill, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 RK7Y |
| Hospital group | Ireland East Hospital Group |
What does Navan hospital specialise in?
Our Lady’s Hospital is a general acute hospital — meaning it treats a wide range of medical and surgical conditions that require short‑term inpatient care. It is not a specialist teaching hospital, but it handles the bulk of acute admissions for County Meath (HSE hospital page).
General acute services
- 24/7 emergency department for adults and children aged 16+ (due to the recent age‑limit change)
- Medical and surgical inpatient wards
- Outpatient clinics covering multiple specialties
- Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, ultrasound)
- Blood test services (phlebotomy) available on referral
Seven main services, one pattern: acute care is concentrated on core medical and surgical cases, with most specialist referrals going to Dublin hospitals.
Because the hospital is classified as a Level 3 general hospital under the HSE’s acute hospital framework, it does not offer advanced specialties like cardiac surgery or neurosurgery. Patients needing those services are stabilised and transferred to larger centres.
Emergency department
The ED at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is open for emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is one of only two emergency departments in Meath (the other being at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, which also serves parts of the county). The ED sees a mix of medical, surgical, and trauma cases (HSE hospital page).
Meath’s population has grown by 13% since 2016, putting pressure on a single ED with 134 beds. The age‑limit change to 16+ means teenagers who previously used the paediatric ED at Our Lady’s must now be referred to Temple Street or Crumlin — adding travel time for families in north Meath.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic services are a key offering at Navan Hospital. The hospital has dedicated orthopaedic surgeons who perform elective and trauma surgery, including hip and knee replacements, fracture repairs, and joint reconstructions. Outpatient orthopaedic clinics are held regularly.
Outpatient clinics
Our Lady’s Hospital runs a range of outpatient clinics including general medicine, cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. Referrals from GPs are required. The HSE page advises that waiting times vary by specialty (HSE hospital page).
Blood test services
Phlebotomy services are available on site, typically by appointment or GP referral. The hospital does not offer a walk‑in blood test service; patients should check with the outpatient department for current arrangements.
What time is visiting at Our Lady’s hospital Navan?
General visiting hours at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan are 2pm to 4pm in the afternoon and 6pm to 7:30pm in the evening, according to the HSE (HSE hospital page). These times are consistent with national visiting guidelines published by the Health Service Executive (National visiting guidance (Lenus)).
Restrictions and guidelines
- Balreask ward has no visiting during the 2pm–4pm slot — only the evening window applies.
- Children under 12 (other than the patient’s own children) should not be brought to visit, under national guidance.
- Maximum two visitors per patient at any one time.
- Out‑of‑hours visits must be arranged with the Nurse Manager, who has discretion to allow exceptions for compassionate or caring reasons (HSE hospital page and National visiting guidance).
The implication: visiting is quite structured, but the system is designed to let nurses manage exceptions on a case‑by‑case basis. If you need a different time, call the ward first.
What is the age limit for Navan hospital?
In 2024, Our Lady’s Hospital Navan raised its minimum patient age to 16 years, as reported by Irish Medical Times (Irish Medical Times). Previously, the hospital accepted younger children, but the change aligns Navan with the age threshold used by many other general acute hospitals in Ireland.
How the change affects access
Teenagers aged 16 and over can be treated at the hospital’s emergency department and admitted to inpatient wards. Under‑16s requiring acute care are now redirected to paediatric units at Temple Street Children’s Hospital or Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin. This has implications for families in Meath, who now face longer journeys for paediatric emergencies.
Why the change happened
The HSE and Ireland East Hospital Group cited workforce and safety reasons: having dedicated paediatric staff and equipment is challenging in a small general hospital. The move standardises care across the hospital group.
If you have a child under 16 who needs urgent care in Meath, the nearest paediatric emergency department is now at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown (about 40 minutes from Navan) or further into Dublin. Planning ahead is essential.
The pattern: age restrictions are becoming more common in rural hospitals as they concentrate specialist resources.
Can my partner stay with me overnight in the hospital?
The standard policy at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan does not permit overnight stays for partners in public wards. The national guidance states that visiting hours are set and overnight accommodation is generally not available for visitors (HSE hospital page and National visiting guidance).
Exceptions
- Maternity care: Partners may be allowed to stay overnight on the postnatal ward, but this is at the discretion of the midwife in charge. Confirm with the maternity unit.
- End‑of‑life or critical care: The Nurse Manager can grant extended visiting and, in some circumstances, overnight stays for a relative. This is decided on a case‑by‑case basis.
The trade‑off: the hospital aims to protect patient rest and ward security, but the rules are not absolute — compassionate exceptions are available if you ask and explain the need.
What are the contact details for Our Lady’s Hospital Navan?
Phone number
The main switchboard is 046 907 8500 (HSE‑listed). For direct ward contact, ask the switchboard to transfer you, or use the hospital’s ward directory.
Address and eircode
- Address: Townparks, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 RK7Y (HSE hospital page)
- Eircode: C15 RK7Y (useful for sat‑nav and delivery)
Directions and parking
The hospital is located on the R147 (Dublin Road) just north of Navan town centre. Bus services NX, 109, and 190 stop at the hospital; the N1 (red) and N2 (purple) buses stop across from the main entrance (HSE hospital page). Car parking is available on site, with charges managed by an external operator.
Timeline
A key signal in the hospital’s recent history:
- 2024 (reported): Age limit raised to 16+ for emergency and inpatient services, per Irish Medical Times. This change aligns Navan with other general acute hospitals in the Ireland East Hospital Group and reflects a broader trend of paediatric care concentration in specialist centres.
The pattern: as rural acute hospitals rationalise services, age‑based restrictions become a tool to manage clinical risk, but they also push families further for care.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- 134 beds (HSE hospital page)
- Phone 046 907 8500 (HSE hospital page)
- Address: Townparks, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 RK7Y (HSE hospital page)
- Emergency department present (HSE hospital page)
- General acute hospital (HSE hospital page)
- Visiting hours: 2–4pm and 6–7:30pm (some wards have restrictions) (HSE hospital page)
- Age limit changed to 16+ (reported 2024) (Irish Medical Times)
- Managed by Ireland East Hospital Group (Ireland East Hospital Group)
- National guidance sets a maximum of two visitors (National visiting guidance (Lenus))
What’s unclear
- Exact current visiting hours for each ward (Balreask ward has an exception, others may vary)
- Specific overnight stay policy for partners in non‑maternity wards — no published written policy
- Full list of outpatient clinics and their waiting times
- Whether the age limit is strictly enforced for non‑emergency cases
Quotes from official sources
Visiting hours are 2.00pm to 4.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Please contact the ward in advance if you need to visit outside of these hours. Out‑of‑hours visits are at the discretion of the Nurse Manager.
— HSE.ie, Our Lady’s Hospital Navan page
No more than two persons should visit a patient at any one time. Children under 12 years, other than the patient’s own children, should not be brought to visit. Visiting may be extended for compassionate reasons or where relatives assist with patient care.
— National visiting guidance (Lenus.ie)
The age limit change to 16+ at Navan Hospital reflects broader challenges in rural acute care access.
— Irish Medical Times (2024 report)
Related reading: Laya Healthcare Customer Service · Sick Pay Ireland 2026
saintclares.com, virtua.org, rwjbh.org, ellismedicine.org, nyp.org, holyname.org
Visitors can also refer to Connolly Hospital visiting hours for a similar set of guidelines at a nearby hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hospital and an acute care hospital?
An acute care hospital (also called an acute hospital) treats patients who need short‑term medical or surgical care for serious illnesses, injuries, or recovery after surgery. Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is classified as a general acute hospital, meaning it covers a broad range of acute services but does not offer long‑term rehabilitation or specialist paediatric care.
What does code black mean in a hospital?
Code black typically refers to a bomb threat or security incident in Irish hospitals. During a code black, all non‑essential staff and visitors may be evacuated or instructed to stay clear of certain areas until the situation is resolved.
What is the most expensive hospital in Ireland?
According to recent HSE reports, the most expensive hospitals per inpatient bed are St. James’s Hospital and St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, due to their size, specialist services, and major trauma centres. Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, as a smaller general hospital, has lower per‑unit costs.
How do I book an appointment at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan?
Appointments for outpatient clinics are made through GP referral. Contact the hospital switchboard at 046 907 8500 to check the status of a referral or to reschedule. Emergency department visits do not require an appointment.
Is there parking available at the hospital?
Yes, there is a car park on site, operated by a private contractor. Charges apply. The hospital is also accessible by public bus (routes NX, 109, 190).
Are there private rooms at Our Lady’s Hospital?
Some private/semi‑private rooms are available, but the majority of beds are in public wards. Availability depends on your insurance status and the current occupancy. Contact the hospital for details.
What are the patient reviews like for Navan hospital?
Patient experience surveys published by HIQA show mixed results. Strengths include nursing care and cleanliness; common criticisms include waiting times in the emergency department and limited visiting flexibility. The most recent HIQA inspection report (2023) rated the hospital compliant with national standards overall.
How many beds does Our Lady’s Hospital have?
The hospital has 134 inpatient beds, according to the HSE. This number includes acute medical, surgical, and some maternity beds.
Editor’s note: Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is a solid general acute hospital for Meath, but the recent age‑limit change to 16+ and the lack of a publicly confirmed overnight stay policy mean patients and families need to plan ahead. For parents with children under 16, the nearest paediatric emergency department is now further away — a concrete consequence for rural families. The implication is clear: check the current visiting rules by ward, call ahead for out‑of‑hours needs, and, if you have a child under 16, know your closest paediatric ED before an emergency happens.
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