The Healthcare Library of Northern Ireland

Evidence, resources and updates for health and social care.

Author: Mary Maguire

  • Temporary closure of Antrim Healthcare Library, Fern House for refurbishment

    Temporary closure of Antrim Healthcare Library, Fern House for refurbishment

    The library has been temporarily closed over the past few weeks as it undergoes a major refurbishment. Work is progressing well, and we hope to welcome users back by the end of the summer.

    Originally opened in 1983, when Fern House was home to the Northern Area College of Nursing, the library has supported generations of learners and staff. This refurbishment is the first major transformation of the space since it first opened over 40 years ago.

    When the library reopens, users can look forward to a refreshed, modern learning environment featuring two dedicated seminar rooms, upgraded computer facilities, and comfortable new study spaces. The improved layout and facilities will provide a more flexible and welcoming space for learning, teaching, and collaboration.

    In the meantime, the Healthcare Library website remains available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    Requesting Books:

    • Stock from this library branch is unavailable during the refurbishment but please check the library catalogue in case the text is available in another library branch or is available as an electronic book.​

    Returning Books:

    • Books can still be returned via the Trust internal mail to Antrim Healthcare Library, Fern House, Antrim Hospital Site, BT41 2QB or in person by leaving them in the Returns Box at the library door.  ​

    Requesting Journal Articles:

  • Temporary closure of Antrim Healthcare Library, Fern House for refurbishment

    The library will be closed from Monday 13th April 2026.

    The Healthcare Library website remains available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    Requesting Books:

    • Stock from this library branch will be unavailable during the refurbishment but please check the library catalogue in case the text is available in another library branch or is available as an electronic book.​

    Returning Books:

    • Books can still be returned via the Trust internal mail to Antrim Healthcare Library, Fern House, Antrim Hospital Site, BT41 2QB or in person by leaving them in the Returns Box at the library door.  ​

    Requesting Journal Articles:

    We hope to reopen the library by August 2026. Readers will be notified with the reopening date, nearer this time.

  • Antrim Branch Closed Friday 27th February

    The Healthcare Library of Northern Ireland at Antrim Area Hospital will be closed on Friday 27th February to facilitate Phase 1 of the library refurbishment.

    If you need to contact the library during this time please email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk, telephone 028 9097 8906 or use the Healthcare Library Chatbot*.

    Access to e-resources is available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    *Look for the Chatbot icon at the bottom of the Healthcare Library website

  • Antrim Branch opening hours – Week beginning 24 November

    Changes to the opening hours for The Healthcare Library at Antrim Area Hospital over the coming week:

    Monday 24thTuesday 25thWednesday 26thThursday 27thFriday 28th
    9.00am – 4.30pm9.00am – 2.00pm
    ONLY    		9.00am – 2.00pm
    ONLY    		LIBRARY CLOSED9.00am – 4.30pm

    If the library is closed please call the Medical Library on 028 9097 6021 or email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk

    Returned books may be left in the box outside the library door.

    You can contact library staff via the Chatbot, and e-resources are still available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    Antrim Library will return to normal opening hours on Monday 1st December.

  • Antrim Branch opening hours 18 – 29 August

    Changes to the opening hours for The Healthcare Library at Antrim Area Hospital over the coming two weeks:

    Monday 18thTuesday 19thWednesday 20thThurs 21stFriday 22nd
    9.00am – 4.30pm9.00am – 2.00pm
    2pm-4.30pm UNSTAFFED     		9.00am – 2.00pm
    2pm-4.30pm UNSTAFFED     		9.00am – 4.30pm UNSTAFFED 9.00am – 4.30pm
    Monday 25thTuesday 26thWednesday 27thThursday 28thFriday 29th
    LIBRARY CLOSED
    9am – 2.00pm
    2pm-4.30pm UNSTAFFED
    9am – 2.00pm
    2pm-4.30pm UNSTAFFED     		9.00am – 4.30pm UNSTAFFED9.00am – 4.30pm

    If the library is closed please call the Medical Library on 028 9097 6021 or email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk

    Returned books may be left in the box outside the library door.

    You can contact library staff via the Chatbot, and e-resources are still available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Antrim Library will re-open as normal on Monday 1st September.

  • Antrim Branch Closed Tuesday 29 July to Friday 1 August

    The Healthcare Library of Northern Ireland at Antrim Area Hospital will be closed from Tuesday 29th to Friday 1st August inclusive, to facilitate a windows replacement project in Fern House.

    If you need to contact the library during this time please email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk, telephone 028 9097 8906 or use the Healthcare Library Chatbot.

    Access to e-resources is available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

  • Antrim Healthcare Library Reduced Opening Hours

    The Healthcare Library at Antrim Area Hospital will be running reduced opening hours over the coming two weeks:

    Monday 19thTuesday 20thWednesday 21stThurs 22ndFriday 23rd
    9.00am – 4.30pm9.00am – 4.30pmLIBRARY CLOSEDLIBRARY CLOSEDLIBRARY CLOSED
    Monday 26thTuesday 27thWednesday 28thThursday 29thFriday 30th
    LIBRARY CLOSEDLIBRARY CLOSEDLIBRARY CLOSED9.00am – 4.30pmLIBRARY CLOSED

    If the library is closed please call the Medical Library on 028 9097 6021 or email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk

    Returned books may be left in the box outside the library door.

    You can contact library staff via the Chatbot, and e-resources are still available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Antrim Library will re-open as normal on Monday 2nd June.

  • Antrim Branch Closed Friday 9th May

    The Healthcare Library of Northern Ireland at Antrim Area Hospital will be closed on 9th May.

    Library staff will still be available to answer queries via email or Healthcare Library Chatbot and access to e-resources is still available at https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

  • Antrim Library branch closed Friday 24th January

    The Healthcare Library of Northern Ireland at Antrim Area Hospital will be closed on Friday 24th January. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The branch will reopen on Monday 27th January. Access to e-resources and support remain available at: https://healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk/

  • Healthcare Library Antrim Opening Hours week beginning 28th October 2024

    Monday 28th  OctoberTuesday 29th  OctoberWednesday 30th OctoberThursday 31st OctoberFriday 1st November
      9:00am – 4:30pm  9:00am – 2pm ONLY  9:00am – 2pm ONLY  LIBRARY CLOSED  9:00am – 4.30pm

    If the library is closed & you need assistance, please contact the Medical Library on 028 9097 6021 or email info@healthcarelibrary.qub.ac.uk

    Returned books may be left in the box outside the library door.