UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry has taken the decision to revise visiting arrangements at the hospital due to the rising number of COVID patients.
A statement released by the hospital states that UHK had re-instated visiting arrangements on a safe and structured basis, in recognition of the importance of visiting for patients and their families, but this now has to change.
“Unfortunately, the County of Kerry is now experiencing a very high incidence of COVID 19,” reads the statement. “The 14 day incidence for Kerry is currently trending at 430.6. The consequence of this high incidence rate is that UHK has a significantly increased number of COVID 19 inpatients at the hospital along with a high level of emergency presentations.
Continued below…
“UHK Management having considered the continuing increasing Covid-19 numbers has taken the difficult decision to revise visiting arrangements in order to protect our patients, their relatives and our staff. Therefore, from Wednesday 29th June 2022, visiting to University Hospital Kerry is restricted as follows:
General Wards: One visit per patient per week [to be agreed with the ward manager & relevant Consultant, in advance of visiting]. Additional visiting will be facilitated on compassionate grounds.
UHK Visiting Co-ordinator shall co-ordinate visits and can be contacted on 087-1138053. Visiting outside of the designated times will be on compassionate grounds only.
Maternity: Accompanying partner arrangements unchanged presently. Supportive person can attend for Antenatal appointments & labour. No children to attend maternity services.
Palliative: Visiting will be facilitated by prior arrangement in order to protect patients and staff.
All visiting arrangements will be reviewed weekly.”
University Hospital Kerry says it empathises with and understands that this announcement will make it difficult for many families, but their priority is to continue to keep patients safe while in the care of UHK, as well maintain the safety and wellbeing of staff at the hospital.
UHK has in place some alternative means of keeping contact with loved ones.
Keeping Contact Initiative: UHK has set up a specific email address so that patients can receive direct messages.
Communications from friends & family can be of great comfort to patients during these times and can be e-mailed to: uhk.keepingcontact@hse.ie
Be sure to include on the subject line the Patient’s Full Name, Ward Name (if known) and the first line of the patient’s home address.
Virtual Visits: UHK have an initiative to facilitate Video Calls using WhatsApp on Digipads for patients who do not have SMART phone/devices. Please contact Ward Manager/Nurse in Charge to request video call with your loved one.