University Hospital Kerry (UHK) is restricting visitations due to a surge in COVID cases as well as a high volume of people presenting at the Emergency Department.

Due to increased infection control measures, the hospital has said that it has to make some difficult decisions about visiting, in order to protect patients, their relatives and staff.

From tomorrow (Tuesday), visiting to University Hospital Kerry is restricted as follows:

General Wards: UHK is asking the public not to visit the hospital other than in end of life situations and other exceptional circumstances [to be agreed with the ward manager and relevant consultant, in advance of visiting]. Children in particular should not visit the hospital.

Maternity: Accompanying partner arrangements unchanged presently.
Palliative: Visiting will be by prior agreement only, in order to protect patients and staff.

The situation will be reviewed by the hospital outbreak team on an on-going basis and any changes will be advised, a statement read.

"University Hospital Kerry understands that this announcement will make it difficult for many families, however the hospital’s priority is to continue to maintain the safety and well-being of patients, members of the public and staff at the hospital."

The hospital would like to remind the public that UHK has in place some alternative means of keeping contact with loved ones:

Keeping Contact Initiative: UHK has set up a specific email address so that patients can receive direct messages from people thinking of them. Letters from friends and family can be of great comfort to patients during these times. Email your letter to uhk.keepingcontact@hse.ie. Be sure to include in the subject line the patient’s full name, ward name (if known) and the first line of the patient’s home address.

Virtual Visits: Video call using WhatsApp (For patients who do not have SMART phone/devices). UHK have an initiative to facilitate these calls using Digipads. Please contact Ward Manager/Nurse in Charge to request a video call with your loved one.

"All appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection among staff and patients."