Restrictions at local hospitals to continue for further two weeks, at least.

The Saolta Hospital Group have confirmed that the curtailment of all face to face outpatient clinics at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe and University Hospital, Galway are to remain in place for another two weeks at least, and will be kept under review after that.

Only time-dependent and critical day case and inpatient procedures will take place at both hospitals, and members of the public are advised not to attend at the Emergency Department except in the case of an emergency.

As of 8pm yesterday evening, there were 115 patients in hospital with Covid-19 in the western region, and 21 patients requiring critical care.

"In light of very significant pressure in the hospitals caused by Covid-19 and high community infection rates, it is now necessary to continue the current restrictions to ensure patient safety and wellbeing. The deferrals are in place for a further two week period, and will be kept under review" said the statement.

Saolta have confirmed that while no face to face outpatient clinics will take place over the next two weeks in either Portiuncula or UHG, ""some clinics will take place virtually, unless it is absolutely necessary for patients to be seen." Patients are currently being notified directly if their appointment is to be deferred, and while the hospital group have apologised for the inconvenience this may cause, they have appealed for understanding from the public.

"We understand that these deferrals may be disappointing and frustrating for patients, but this is an important measure to enable to hospitals to maintain critical and emergency services. There are many very sick people in our hospitals at the moment, and the impact of a surge in cases in the community will be reflected in new admissions over the coming days" said a Saolta spokesperson.

Visitor restrictions also remain in place in Portiuncula and UHG, with members of the public being advised to only visit the hospitals on compassionate grounds. These visits must be arranged in advance with the Nurse Manager on the ward"

Members of the public are being strongly urged to contact their own GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service for all non-emergency health problems instead of attending at the Emergency Department of either Portiuncula hospital or UHG during the current period of Covid-19 restrictions.