Evening visiting times at hospitals in Ennis and Limerick will be extended from Monday next week.
The decision, which affects Ennis General, University Hospital Limerick and Croom Hospital will see evening visiting hours running from 6pm to 9pm, but daytime restrictions will remain in place.
UL Hospitals Group says it encourages the presence and participation of visitors as family and friends provide emotional support to patients and are as invaluable as members of the care team.
It follows a comprehensive survey which revealed that patients wanted extended visiting hours to make the hospital more accessible to their family and friends in the evening.