Portiuncula University Hospital has eased general visiting restrictions and is now facilitating visits to patients in its wards by appointment.
Appointments will be staggered across all ward areas each day between 3pm and 4.30pm to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to patients, family members and staff.
Each patient can have one nominated visitor daily for up to 20 minutes.
Hospital Manager James Keane said that they are delighted to be in a position to re-introduce visiting.
He explained that to schedule a visit, the family member or visitor should contact the relevant ward between 11am and 12.30pm between Monday and Friday, and weekend visiting must be arranged on Friday morning.
Nominated visitors should then arrive five to ten minutes prior to their appointed time.
“Entrance to the hospital will be via the Emergency Department where ‘Meet and Greet’ staff will check the nominated visitor from the approved visiting list and will ask the relevant COVID-19 screening questions,” said Mr Keane.
“This assigned appointment is for visiting only. Appointments to speak with the Doctor must be arranged via the relevant consultant secretary.
“Visitors will be required to follow public health guidance, including wearing a surgical mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly during their visit to the hospital.”
Children under the age of 16 are still not permitted to visit the hospital and visiting on critical and compassionate grounds will continue at the discretion of the ward or unit manager, or designated nurse in charge.
“We are grateful to the public for their co-operation in ensuring we can resume visiting in a safe manner to protect our patients and visitors,” added James Keane.
“For this reason we will not be resuming routine visits for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.”
