Kilkenny hospital suspends visits amid surge in admissions and Covid cases
Kilkenny’s main hospital has temporarily suspended all visits except to the maternity ward as it struggles to deal with infection controls.
In a statement issued this evening, St Luke’s Maternity Hospital confirmed it is experiencing delays and that the emergency department is “extremely busy”.
The hospital said: “Due to increased infection control measures required at this time for Covid 19, St. Luke’s General Hospital will be temporarily suspending hospital visiting effective immediately except for those visiting the maternity unit.”
It added, visiting will only be allowed in “exceptional circumstances”, including:
*End Of Life Non-Covid-19 Patient – two nominated relatives only allowed;
*End Of Life Covid-19 Patient – only one nominated relative utilising correct PPE/hand hygiene/IPC advice;
*Critically ill patients (only two nominated relatives);
*Only one parent will be allowed visit children in the Paediatric Unit at any time.
St Luke’s also said children should not visit the hospital, adding that “the situation will be reviewed on an on-going basis and any further changes will be advised”.
The hospital warned: “There are a number of Covid and non-Covid-19 patients presenting to the ED. We ask the public to consider their care options, if possible. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending ED in St Luke’s General Hospital. However, if urgent care is required, patients should attend the hospital.
“We advise patients to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children (unless the children are ill).
“St Luke’s General Hospital would like to assure people that anyone seriously injured or ill will be assessed and treated as a priority. We’d also like to remind the general public that anyone who is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms (to please contact their GP in the first instance. Please avoid coming directly to ED if you feel you might need to be treated for Covid-19 or you wish to have a test.”
St Luke’s stressed the importance of patients getting an early Covid diagnosis from their GP. They said this “means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it”.
