27.12.2024 - The HSE South wishes to advise that all acute hospitals within this region are experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as Influenza, RSV and COVID-19.
Hospitals affected are University Hospital Kerry, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital and Mallow General Hospital
In order to reduce the spread of these illnesses in the healthcare setting the hospitals in Cork and Kerry are implementing visiting restrictions effective immediately.
Hospital visiting times in Cork and Kerry will be restricted to visitors only between 6pm and 8pm. The restrictions include two visitors per patient during these visiting hours and there will be a requirement for all visitors to wear face masks.
These measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance. For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/
The HSE South West Regional Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Phillips is asking “patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service.” He said that there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including visiting your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses.
Find out more at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ It also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service – South Doc on 0818 355 999
Maternity unit
Support partners can attend:
- early pregnancy scans (EPAU)
- the 12 week scan (booking scan)
- the 20 week scan (anatomy scan)
- high risk scans
- emergency presentations during pregnancy
Parents can attend separately when visiting infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Neonatal Care Unit.
Support partners are welcome as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Protect yourself and others
Do not visit a hospital if you have any symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19, or any viral illness.
Clean your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser
You may be asked to wear a face mask and PPE in parts of the hospital.