UL Hospitals Group has confirmed the reintroduction of visiting restrictions at University Hospital Limerick as they work to manage an outbreak of Covid-19.
Two wards are currently affected; however, as a precautionary measure, management are now restricting visiting on all inpatient wards at UHL. Restrictions on visits to the Emergency Department, Acute Surgical Assessment Unit, and Acute Medical Assessment Unit at UHL also remain in force.
A hospital spokesperson said: “We regret any inconvenience this visiting ban causes for patients and their loved ones. Our outbreak control team has convened and hospital management has decided it is now necessary to reimpose these measures in the interests of patient safety and keeping essential services open for all our patients.
It is unfortunate that these measures follow so soon after the easing of these difficult visiting restrictions at UHL was announced on July 28th. Anybody who has already booked a visit through our ward managers can proceed with their visit as planned -and subject to the Covid-19 protocols (temperature check, face mask, hand hygiene and questionnaire). However, no new bookings for visits will be facilitated until further notice.”
“We wish to reassure patients and their loved ones that all appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection among staff and patients within our health facilities, and also within the wider community.”
The only exceptions to the visiting ban are as follows:
Parents visiting children in hospital
People assisting confused patients (e.g. dementia) (on a case-by-case basis)
People visiting patients who are critically unwell or at end of life (on a case-by-case basis)
All these exemptions are limited to one person per patient only.
“We are also appealing to members of the public not to visit their relatives/loved ones outdoors on the grounds of the hospital as this can also present a Covid-19 transmission risk. The visiting restrictions currently affect UHL only and will be reviewed early next week,” the spokesperson added.
For information and advice on Covid-19, click here.