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MANAGEMENT at South / South West Hospital Group, which includes University Hospital Kerry, are appealing to members of the public to continue to follow the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines relating to social distancing and hand hygiene, to ensure that they do not contribute to the spread of the coronavirus.
The S/SWHG are urging members of the public not to make any unnecessary journeys outside 5km of their homes.
Management and staff in hospitals across the South/ South West Hospital Group are asking the public to continue to respond in the same positive and helpful manner as they have done since the Government introduced the current round of restrictions.
Management at the hospitals acknowledge that staying at home and staying isolated even under the slightly adjusted measures announced recently by the Government can be difficult, particularly over a long period and especially over long weekends.
Nevertheless, hospitals want to remind people again that they can save lives by staying at home and following Government and Public Health guidelines.
However if people are feeling unwell, the S/SWHG is encouraging people to contact their GP or go to the Emergency Department if they require urgent treatment. Hospitals in the S/SWHG have separate pathways in place for Covid-19 patients and those needing other care.
Gerry O’Dwyer, CEO, South / South West Hospital Group said: “This bank holiday weekend, we are urging members of the public to continue to abide by the guidelines regarding Covid-19 and in particular the social distancing and travel guidelines.
Across the S/SWHG, hospital staff are working tirelessly to fight this virus to provide safe, high-quality care to patients. The S/SWHG is very proud of our dedicated staff and how they have responded to this challenge.
The perseverance which staff across the Group have shown and their on-going commitment to providing the best possible care is greatly appreciated. Not adhering to the national guidelines will inevitably place extra pressure on the hospital system, which unfortunately could seriously impact you, your family, your neighbours or your friends.”
He continued: “Please think before you act and ask yourself, is this journey really necessary, am I keeping the appropriate distance, following cough etiquette and washing my hands. People should be aware that our hospitals remain open for people who are unwell and need treatment. The emergency departments across the S/SWHG have a number of measures in place, patients presenting will be placed on the Covid pathway or the non-Covid pathway. So people should be assured and know that they will receive the care and treatment they need.”
To my shock this week I found out that a Turkish Barber had made a house call to give a dad his 2 sons and a son-in-law haircuts and shave or trim.
One of the son’s is employed in a chemist shop and the mother works in a care home.
I asked myself how could she have allowed it amongst her close family. I can only hope they did it whilst she was at work.
I asked the dad had the barber been to other houses or would he be going to other houses. The answer was, my son knew him but he could have done other calls.
I wondered in God’s name if they had to fill out a contact sheet they wouldn’t have a clue where your man the barber had been or would go to.
The last thing I want to do is get either myself or anyone else in trouble.
But I hope that all people begin to open their eyes to spot the pristine new shaped hair and beard trims. Unfortunately I think there everywhere. The comparison between a diy home haircut and the close up quality for wedding day professional cuts are very obvious.
That’s all I can say. I definitely stay home except for essential shopping.
Mary