UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry has imposed visitor restriction following a rise in people presenting with COVID 19.
In a statement issued on Monday, management said the hospital is experiencing a significantly increased number of COVID 19 admissions to the hospital along with a high level of emergency presentations.
They have taken the decision to put in place measures to ensure that visiting takes place on as safe basis, as is possible.
From yesterday evening the following visiting arrangements will be in place with mask wearing and full hand hygiene applying to all visitors to UHK.
Continued below…
For Non-COVID Positive Patients:
• General Wards: One visit per patient per day, timings to be agreed with the visiting co-ordinator. To arrange visits, kindly contact the UHK Visiting Co-ordinator at 087-1138053. Visiting outside the designated times will be permitted only on compassionate grounds.
• Maternity: Accompanying partner arrangements remain unchanged. Supportive persons can attend Antenatal appointments & labor. Children can visit only on compassionate grounds.
For COVID Positive Patients:
• Visiting will not be permitted for patients who have tested positive for COVID, except on compassionate grounds. Visitors will be required to wear appropriate PPE during these visits.
• We understand that these measures may be difficult for families, but please know that our priority is the safety and well-being of your loved ones and our dedicated staff at UHK.
For those unable to visit, we offer alternative means of staying connected:
• Keeping Contact Initiative: We have set up a dedicated email address (uhk.keepingcontact@hse.ie) to send direct messages to patients. Your messages can be a source of great comfort during these challenging times. Please include the patient’s Full Name, Ward Name (if known), and the first line of their home address in the subject line.
• Virtual Visits: If your loved one doesn’t have a smartphone, you can request a video call using WhatsApp on Digipads. Please reach out to the Ward Manager/Nurse in Charge for assistance.