Portiuncula University Hospital reminds visitors of role they can play in protecting vulnerable patients

Visitor restrictions in place on St Francis’ Ward following infection outbreak

Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) has appealed to families and loved ones to play their part in helping to prevent the spread of infections to vulnerable patients. The hospital has reminded the public of the need to ensure that visitor numbers are kept to a minimum.

James Keane, Hospital Manager said, “Visitors have a very important role to play in helping to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses to our vulnerable patients. In order to reduce the risk to patients, we need to limit the number of individual visitors per patient to a maximum of two per day. We are asking families and loved ones for their cooperation in this regard. I would also like to remind visitors that visiting hours are strictly 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm in the main wards.”

The hospital also advised that visitor restrictions are in place on St Francis’ Ward due to an outbreak of respiratory illness on the ward. In order to protect patients, visitors to St Francis’ Ward are being facilitated on compassionate grounds only. Visitors to the ward are advised to contact the Ward Manager in advance.

James Keane continued, “We understand that limiting visits is not easy for patients and their families. However, we these measures are being taken in order to protect our patients, many of whom are already very ill. It’s important that we remain vigilant in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, flu and other infections in our hospital and we are appealing to the public to help us.

PUH has also urged members of the public not to visit the hospital if they have any symptoms of flu or COVID-19 or feel unwell or if they have had contact with individuals with flu or COVID-19.

James Keane concluded, “Visitors can also play their part in helping to prevent the spread of infections to our patients by following all infection precaution measures. This includes cleaning hands regularly and wearing a mask at all times while in the hospital. We would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation in helping to protect sick and vulnerable patients.”