Due to the continuing increase in COVID-19 numbers, University Hospital Kerry (UHK) has had to revise its visiting arrangements. 

Over the past number of months, the hospital had re-instated visiting arrangements on a safe and structured basis in recognition of the importance of visiting for patients and their families.

However, COVID cases are on the rise with the 14 day incidence for Kerry currently trending at 430.6. The consequence of this high incidence rate is that UHK has a significantly increased number of COVID-19 inpatients at the hospital along with a high level of emergency presentations.

UHK Management say they have taken the difficult decision to revise visiting arrangements in order to protect patients, their relatives and staff.

The following restrictions are currently in place:

General Wards: One visit per patient per week [to be agreed with the ward manager and relevant Consultant, in advance of visiting]. Additional visiting will be facilitated on compassionate grounds. UHK Visiting Co-ordinator shall co-ordinate visits and can be contacted on 087 1138053. Visiting outside of the designated times will be on compassionate grounds only.

Maternity: Accompanying partner arrangements unchanged presently. Supportive person can attend for Antenatal appointments and labour. No children to attend maternity services.

Palliative: Visiting will be facilitated by prior arrangement in order to protect patients and staff.
All visiting arrangements will be reviewed weekly.

"University Hospital Kerry empathises with and understands that this announcement will make it difficult for many families, however our priority is to continue to keep your loved ones safe while in the care of UHK, as well maintain the safety and well-being of staff at the hospital. We 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. Communications from friends and family can be of great comfort to patients during these times and can be emailed to: uhk.keepingcontact@hse.ie.

Be sure to include on the subject line the Patient’s Full Name, Ward Name (if known) and the first line of the patient’s home address.

Virtual Visits: UHK have an initiative to facilitate Video Calls using WhatsApp on Digipads for patients who do not have smart phone/devices. Please contact Ward Manager/Nurse in Charge to request a video call with your loved one.

"UHK would like to extend a very sincere thank you in anticipation of the public’s co-operation with these arrangements."