How Visiting Hour Changes Support Infection Control at Gauteng’s Biggest Hospital
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), better known as Bara, is not only Gauteng’s largest healthcare institution but also Africa’s biggest hospital. It treats thousands of patients daily, making it one of the busiest hospitals in the world. Starting 1 September 2025, the hospital will change its visiting hours from 14h00–16h00 to 13h00–15h00 every day, including weekends.
Though the change may appear small, hospital management says it is designed to enhance infection control, support faster patient recovery, and streamline operations.
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New Visiting Schedule Carefully Planned
CHBAH management explained that the schedule came after months of consultation with clinical teams, unions, and employees. The hospital weighed patient needs against operational realities before deciding.
“The new schedule aligns visiting hours with clinical workflows, helping patients recover faster, limiting disruptions, and strengthening infection control,” hospital authorities said.
Why Visiting Hours Matter to Recovery
Family visits comfort patients, but unrestricted visiting can hinder healing. Busy wards with constant disruptions make it harder for patients to rest or receive uninterrupted care.
By condensing visits into a two-hour block, CHBAH aims to give patients longer, uninterrupted rest periods while still allowing family contact.
“This revised schedule improves security management and operational flow within the hospital,” explained Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, Chief Executive Officer of CHBAH.
Infection Prevention at the Core
As Africa’s largest hospital, CHBAH faces significant infection control challenges. With thousands of people passing through daily, limiting exposure is critical.
The new hours will reduce ward congestion, cut unnecessary exposure, and give staff uninterrupted time to disinfect areas before and after visits.
Dr Makgana emphasized: “This change forms part of broader efforts to enhance the hospital environment and keep patient care as the highest priority.”
Supporting Staff and Clinical Workflows
Doctors and nurses at Bara often attend to hundreds of patients per shift. Visitors at all hours disrupt ward rounds, delay procedures, and complicate workflows.
By organising visiting hours around treatment times, staff can focus on patient care without repeated interruptions.
“These changes ensure Bara continues to provide high-quality, compassionate care,” said Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
Compassionate Exceptions Remain
The hospital stressed that the new policy does not block families from supporting patients during vulnerable times. Exceptions will remain for children, intensive care, and end-of-life cases.
“Special exceptions will apply where visiting is essential. Our teams will always handle these with sensitivity and compassion,” Dr Makgana confirmed.
Fighting Social Media Misinformation
Earlier this year, rumours spread on social media claiming CHBAH planned to introduce visitor fees. The hospital dismissed the claims, confirming that visits remain free and that the only change involves visiting times.
Enhancing Security and Flow
Limiting visiting to two hours also strengthens security. Staff can better monitor movement in and out of wards, reducing risks of theft, overcrowding, and uncontrolled access. Corridor and waiting area bottlenecks will also ease, improving safety and infection control.
A Model for Gauteng Healthcare
As Gauteng’s flagship hospital, CHBAH often sets the tone for public healthcare. The Department of Health believes this change shows how small operational adjustments can deliver big improvements.
“The Gauteng Department of Health remains committed to providing a healing environment that benefits patients, families, and healthcare workers,” Modiba added.
Final Thoughts
CHBAH’s adjustment of visiting hours represents a forward-looking shift in public healthcare. By concentrating visits into a set period, the hospital reduces infection risks, supports faster recovery, and helps staff work more effectively. At the same time, compassionate exceptions ensure families remain part of patient care.
This balance between safety and compassion demonstrates how Gauteng’s healthcare system continues to evolve, keeping patients and families at the centre of decision-making.
