Hospital visiting restricted amid big numbers on trolleys
Visiting restrictions remain in force in Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe due to high levels of Covid-19 and flu in St John's Ward, it's been confirmed, as the facility also grapples with big numbers of people waiting for a bed on trolleys.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Saolta Hospital group, who manage the local hospital, said in an bid to reduce transmission to protect patients, staff and the public, visits to St John’s Ward will be restricted to those who have approval to visit on compassionate grounds.
It comes as the INMO reported 25 people were waiting on a trolley on Tuesday (January 3) in Ballinasloe, nine in the emergency department, and another 15 in a ward elsewhere. That figure had reduced by just one by today (Wednesday, January 4) amid record overcrowding nationwide in accident and emergency departments.
In Mullingar, there are 18 people waiting on trolley, according to the January 4 Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Trolleywatch figures, with only three waiting in Tullamore.
Portiuncula University Hospital said the visiting restrictions are being “reviewed on an ongoing basis”. People are asked to contact the ward manager in advance in order to arrange a visit on compassionate grounds in Ballinasloe.
PUH is also requesting that people do not visit the hospital if they are feeling unwell or have Covid-19 or flu like symptoms.
“We need to be vigilant in order to stop the spread of Covid-19, flu and other infections in our hospital and we are appealing to our community to help us. We know that restricting visits is not easy for patients and their families, especially at this time of year. However, this measure is being taken in order to protect our patients, many of whom are already very ill,” James Keane, PUH Hospital Manager said.
“People with recent symptoms of COVID-19 or flu are asked not to visit the hospital. We are also appealing to people not to visit the hospital if they have had contact with individuals with these symptoms. We would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation in helping to protect sick and vulnerable patients,” he added.