Strict visitor restrictions remain in place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny

St Luke’s General Hospital is continuing to enforce visitor restrictions as part of ongoing infection control measures.

An outbreak of Covid-19 has forced the hospital to suspend almost all visits since August 3.

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Exceptions are continuing to be made for those visiting the maternity unit and for exceptional circumstances as determined by each ward manager.

There are still a number of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients presenting to the emergency department and the hospital is asking the public to consider their care options, if possible.

“Please consult with your GP or pharmacist before attending the emergency department in St Luke’s General Hospital,” a recent hospital statement reads.

“However, if urgent care is required, patients should attend the hospital.”

The hospital is also advising patients who do visit the emergency department 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,” the statement continues.

“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 the emergency department 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.”

Symptoms of Covid-19 include, but are not limited to: fever, a new cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.