Mayo University Hospital has advised that patients who require Emergency Department care are to firstly come to the main Emergency Department (ED ) entrance at the front of the hospital.
Announcing the measure which was introduced last week, Hospital Manager, Catherine Donohoe explained: "We are continuing to work to improve how we deliver care to patients safely in the context of Covid-19.
"We are asking all patients who require ED care to come to the main ED entrance initially. Patients will be screened there for symptoms of Covid-19 and then directed either to the suspect Covid-19 Emergency Department or to a separate Emergency Department designated to treat patients who do not display symptoms of Covid-19.
"This process will help us try to minimise the risk of suspect or confirmed Covid-19 patients coming in contact with non Covid-19 patients.
"Staff will all have the necessary PPE and we are reminding all patients attending the hospital, including the Emergency Department, that they must wear a mask.
"We are also asking patients to attend the ED alone, other than in exceptional circumstances, when they may bring one other person. This is to help us maintain social distancing in the ED and protect all our patients and staff.
"Signage is now in place on the hospital grounds directing patients to the main Emergency Department. We want to thank all our patients and their families for their co-operation in helping us deliver safe patient care during this Covid-19 pandemic."
