Several wards at Kilkenny hospital closed to visitors amid Covid-19 and Norovirus outbreak

Visitor restrictions have been imposed at St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny amid a Covid-19 and Norovirus outbreak.

A temporary visitor ban will be implemented in a number of wards at the hospital in Kilkenny starting from 6pm on Thursday June 27.

The wards impacted by the visitor ban are the Barrow Ward, Nore Ward, Surgical 2 and Medical 2.

A spokesperson from the hospital said: “The ban is due to increased infection control measures required for Covid-19 and Norovirus (Vomiting & Diarrhoea). Access to these wards will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, as determined by each ward manager.

“Designated visitors will be asked to wear a mask and appropriate PPE whilst in the hospital.”

Visiting will be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:

• End Of Life Non-Covid-19 Patient - Only two nominated Relatives,
• End Of Life Covid-19 Patient – Only one nominated relative utilising correct PPE/hand hygiene/IPC advice etc,
• Critically ill patient (Only two nominated Relatives only),
• One parent only will be allowed visit children in the Paediatric Unit at any time. Children should not visit the hospital.

Visiting to the Maternity Unit remains unchanged, while all other visiting is one visitor per patient for 30 minutes per day.

The situation will be reviewed on an on-going basis and any further changes will be advised.

"There are a number of Covid and non-Covid-19 patients presenting to the ED,” added the spokesperson. “We ask the public to consider their care options, if possible. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending ED in St Luke’s General Hospital. However, if urgent care is required, patients should attend the hospital.

“We advise patients to only attend the hospital ED if absolutely necessary and to not bring children (unless the children are ill).

“St Luke’s General Hospital would like to assure people that anyone seriously injured or ill will be assessed and treated as a priority. Management and staff would like to thank the public for their patience at this time.

“We’d also like to remind the general public that anyone who is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms to please contact their GP in the first instance. Please avoid coming directly to ED if you feel you might need to be treated for Covid-19 or you wish to have a test.

“Getting an early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and take steps to avoid spreading the virus, if you have it,” they concluded.

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