Visiting restrictions are once again in place in UHG, as the hospital deals with a Covid-19 outbreak, increased numbers of Covid admissions, and a significant return of non-Covid patients.
In a statement issued this week, the Saolta University Health Care Group, which runs the public hospitals in the west, said the hospital is dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak - an outbreak is called when there are two or more positive cases.
In accordance with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre guidelines, an outbreak control team has been convened at UHG and is working with public health and occupational health to manage the situation.
As a result, visiting restrictions are in place in areas of the hospital impacted by the outbreak. While UHG is facilitating patient visiting in all areas of the hospital not affected by the outbreak, visitors are being asked only to attend if absolutely necessary and to be mindful of patient and staff safety.
The outbreak comes at a time of renewed pressure on UHG as the Emergency Department is experiencing “record levels of attendances” and this is “putting significant pressure on the hospital”.
The Saolta statement also said there were more people presenting for ambulatory care and for episodic care; more people coming in for deferred care because of either Covid-19 surges, cancellations, or as a result of the recent cyber-attack.
“Many patients in the ED are being admitted with complicated illnesses, complex care-needs and require longer stays in hospital,” the statement read. “All the while, the number of COVID-19 infections in the community is growing and resulting in hospitalisations.”
The hospital facilitates one visitor per inpatient each day between 6pm to 8pm. Only one visit per patient per day can be facilitated at the present time. Visits must be pre-arranged by family members/visitors, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance. Visitors are required to complete a screening checklist regarding COVID-19, prior to visiting the hospital; wash their hands; wear a mask; and socially distance.
UHG is also requesting that where possible, approved visitors will have received a COVID-19 vaccination, in order to minimise the risk to patients. It is also recommended that children do not visit the hospitals, unless agreed in advance on compassionate grounds, with the ward/unit manager.
“We are asking our local community to be mindful of the safety of our patients and staff,” said Chris Kane, UHG general manager. “Please follow all guidelines when attending at our hospitals. Levels of Covid-19 remain very high. If visiting the hospital, staying vigilant and cautious will help us to lower that risk.”
Ms Kane’s comments were echoed by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Martina O’Connor, who is also a former clinical nurse manager with the HSE.
“The perfect storm of apparent unpredictability of the Delta variant and back logs due to the cyber is leading to an unprecedented pressure on the HSE in their attempt to manage their service provision,?’ she said. “It must feel at times like one step forward and two steps back even though staff are working as hard as possible.”
She has called on the public to support the hospitals and health services by adhering to visiting limitations, getting vaccinated, and following Covid-19 hygiene guidelines.
