Visiting ban at hospitals

UL Hospitals Group has announced a visiting ban on all six of its sites as a precautionary measure in the interests of patient safety.
The sites affected are University Hospital Limerick, University Maternity Hospital Limerick, St John’s Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, Ennis Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.
A spokesperson said: “We regret any distress or inconvenience these extraordinary measures will cause to patients and their loved ones. These measures are being taken in order to minimise any spread of infection within our hospital sites. These measures are in place until further notice and are being reviewed on a daily basis.”
The only exceptions to the ban are as follows:
-          Parents visiting children in hospital 
-          Partners of women attending University Maternity Hospital Limerick
-          People visiting patients at end-of-life
-          People assisting confused patients (e.g. dementia)
-          People visiting patients in Critical Care
The above exemptions are limited to one person per patient only.
Please note that the ban on visitors also applies to patients attending the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick and the Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s. We are appealing to members of the public to co-operate with these necessary restrictions.
The spokesperson continued: “We are also urging the public to keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only; a place where priority is given to the seriously injured and ill and those whose lives may be at risk. Anyone else should first consider all the care options available to them in them in their own communities, their family doctors, out-of-hours GP services, or ask their local pharmacies for advice. Local Injury Units (LIUs) at Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals (8am-8pm daily), and St John’s Hospital (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday) are an excellent option for treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns, without the lengthy wait that can be expected in the ED during busy periods.”

SOUTH TIPPERARY GENERAL HOSPITAL
Hospital management South Tipperary General Hospital have also advised that visiting restrictions have been  implemented with  immediate effect   in an effort to minimise the spread of infection.
 Visiting  will only be  allowed in exceptional circumstances such as  
1. End Of Life 
2. Critically ill patient 
3. Partners only will be allowed visit maternity patients 
4. Parents only will be allowed visit children in the Paediatric Unit. 
 
Children should not visit the hospital.  Please be advised that OPD appointment continue as normal. STGH regrets any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interests of patient care. All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the virus.