St Luke's General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny

Visiting suspended

All visiting has been suspended except for:

• visits in exceptional circumstances
• restricted visits to the paediatric and maternity units

This is a temporary measure. It’s due to the increased levels of COVID-19 and norovirus (vomiting and diarrhoea).

Exceptional circumstances
Visits will be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:

• end of life for patients who do not have COVID-19 - two nominated relatives allowed
• end of life for patients with COVID-19 – one nominated relative allowed
• critically ill patient - two nominated relatives allowed

Visitors in these circumstances must wear a mask and PPE in the hospital.

Visits to the paediatric unit
One parent can visit children in the paediatric unit at any time. Children should not visit the hospital.

Visits to the maternity unit
Partners can still visit between 10am and 12pm, and 6pm and 8pm each day.
They can also attend the:

• early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU)
• booking ultrasound
• antenatal clinic for high-risk visits - this is on a case by case basis and with previous agreement
• anomaly ultrasound
• maternity ward if their partner is being induced, in early labour or for a caesarean section
• labour ward
• the special care baby unit (SCBU) by appointment

Other sensitive cases will be discussed with the couple on an individual basis.

The situation will be reviewed. We will update this page if there are any changes.

The car park is at the back of the hospital. The entrance and exit have one-way systems.

Parking is €4 a day. The first 30 minutes are free.

If you are visiting more than once a day, pay the €4 and bring your ticket to the Security Office. They will give you a multi-pass.

There are designated areas for drivers with a disability. A relevant parking permit must be displayed.

There are age-friendly parking spaces available near the main entrance.

There are set-down only spaces at the North Entrance.

Cars may be clamped if they are parked in the wrong place.

Everyone is welcome to visit the oratory near the main entrance for prayer or meditation.

Roman Catholic priests and Church of Ireland ministers are available day and night. Arrangements can be made for visits by other denominations. You can make arrangements with your own clergyman to visit.

Weekday mass times

Mass is at 10am every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in St Luke’s Oratory. There is no mass on Thursdays.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is every:

• Wednesday, 10.15am to 11.15am
• Friday, 10.15am to 4.30pm

Both periods of Adoration end with a short communal prayer.

Patients at the hospital are welcome to attend the ceremonies. You must tell a staff member on your ward that you are going to the oratory.

Weekend mass times

• Saturdays at 8pm in St Luke’s Oratory
• Sundays at 9am in St Luke’s Oratory
• Sundays at 11am in the Department of Psychiatry

The oratory is open 24 hours a day, every day. All patients and their families are welcome.

The Chaplaincy Department provides Communion to all wards:

• Monday to Saturday at 10.15am
• Sundays at 9.45am