Sending flowers to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork

The South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, known in Cork as SIVUH, stands on Old Blackrock Road, Cork, T12 X23H, and describes itself as a teaching hospital of University College Cork. It is a specialist hospital with well-known services in areas such as ENT, dermatology, ophthalmology and anaesthesiology. Anyone who wants to send flowers here should know the hospital's own position first: its website says that flowers, although beautiful, are difficult to maintain and are not allowed in the interest of quality patient care, that this is strictly enforced and that all flower deliveries are stopped at reception.

The hospital's own message about flowers

The hospital's flowers page asks senders to wait until the patient has been discharged home before sending flowers. That makes the choice easy: do not order a bouquet to the ward, because it will not be passed on. The page was last updated some years ago, so if you are unsure, phone the hospital on the number given on its how to find us page, ask for the ward and check that the rule still applies. Whatever the answer, give the patient's full name and ward if you send any post or small gift that is allowed.

When flowers can still make a difference

Flowers are at their best when the patient is home. Many people treated at the hospital stay for a short time, for day surgery or for a night, so the best moment may be only a day or two after the operation. Find out the discharge date from the patient or a close relative and choose a delivery date for that time. A seasonal hand-tied bunch lasts a week or more in clean water, which suits the recovery period when the patient is resting at home in Cork city or the county.

Visiting and the practical side

The hospital's visiting page states that there are two visiting sessions each day, one in the afternoon and one in the early evening, and that two visitors are permitted at any one time, with exceptions in specific circumstances. If you are visiting in person, check the current times with the ward, because they can be reviewed. Carry a card rather than a gift basket, and leave the plants at home. A short handwritten message tucked into a card is easy to read in bed.

Getting to Old Blackrock Road

The hospital's directions describe a route from the Kinsale Road roundabout through the city, turning onto Infirmary Road and then onto Old Blackrock Road, where the main entrance is on the left. The directions are given for planning, and the hospital warns that construction, traffic and weather can change conditions, so allow extra time. A taxi to the main entrance is the simplest way if you have never been before.

What to write on a card

A good card to a hospital patient is short and kind. Say who you are, say what you hope to do when they are well, and avoid asking about the medical side. If you are sending a card to the hospital, put the full name of the patient, the ward and the hospital address on the envelope. If you are not sure the ward is correct, send the card to the patient's home instead.

Cards, books and thoughtful extras

Because flowers are not allowed, other gifts can say as much. A paperback, a puzzle book, a pair of warm socks and a phone charger with a long cable are all practical, though you should check the ward's advice on what can be left. You can still arrange a bouquet for the day the patient returns, and a posy for a carer or relative who has driven in every day is a lovely extra.

Did you know? The South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital describes itself as a teaching hospital of University College Cork and is located on Old Blackrock Road, Cork.