New visiting times come into effect at Portiuncula hospital

New visiting times have come into effect at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.

The hospital said that, following a review, visiting times at the hospital had been extended from yesterday (Thursday).

Visitors will now be able to access the hospital from 2pm to 4pm, or from 6pm to 8pm.

"We have extended the hours that visitors can access the hospital, however, visits are limited to one person per patient per day," said James Keane, the manager at the hospital.

"Also, we ask that visitors to keep the time they spend in the hospital as short as possible. We still need to do everything we can to keep patients, visitors and staff safe and take every precaution to help prevent the introduction or spread of Covid-19.

"We ask that visitors wear a mask in all areas of the hospital at all times and practice good hand hygiene regularly during their time in the hospital.

"The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospital continues to remain high and we are asking people who are intending to visit their loved ones in hospital to please delay visiting if they have any symptoms of Covid-19 such as a temperature, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat or headache.

"Please do not visit until you are at least 48 hours symptom-free. This also applies if anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19," said Mr Keane.

He added that access for visitors to "outbreak wards" was "limited to compassionate grounds only at this time," and these visits should be arranged in advance by calling the hospital and speaking with the nurse manager.

"There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners," he said.

"I would like to thank the public for their ongoing co-operation in ensuring we can have access for visitors in a safe manner to protect both patients and visitors."

People with an outpatient or other appointment at the hospital, are being advised to come to the appointment unless they are contacted by a member of staff from the hospital and told otherwise.

People with an appointment who are displaying Covid-19 symptoms should call the number on their appointment letter to rearrange the appointment.