BREAKING: St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny suspends visiting

St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny has temporarily suspended hospital visiting times with measures taking effect immediately.

In a statement released this afternoon, the decision has been made due to "increased infection control measures required at this time for COVID-19."

Exceptions will be made for those attending the maternity unit and for 'exceptional circumstances' which will be determined by ward managers.

Any member of the public considering attending the hospital should consider their options and consult with their GP or pharmacist before making the journey, a spokesperson for the hospital said.

"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.    

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."