FLU and COVID-19 outbreaks have prompted management of University Hospital Limerick to close to visitors.

Long waits for non-urgent care have been reported with UHL managing high attendances at its emergency department.

On Monday, UL Hospitals Group confirmed that it will be closed to inpatient visiting “for the next number of days, while the hospital manages multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza across the site, which remains extremely busy this morning”.

A total of seven wards are presently affected by the outbreaks. As a precautionary measure, a decision has been reached to close off the hospital to visitors.

“All appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection among staff and patients in the hospital, and also within the wider community. The situation is being monitored and reviewed daily, and we will relax the restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so,” a spokesperson confirmed.

Family and friends are also asked not to visit inpatient relatives or loved ones outdoors on the grounds of the hospital due to infection transmission risks.

Daily attendances at UHL’s ED over the past week averaged at 232. “These patients are presenting with more severe and complex illnesses than heretofore, and a higher proportion of admitted patients are requiring longer stays for treatment and recovery.

“We continue to work our Escalation Plan in managing this continued surge in demand for emergency care, but long waits for non-urgent care in the Emergency Department are inevitable. For non-urgent care, people should consider all available care options, including family doctors, local pharmacies and out-of-hours GP services. Injury units in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals are open 8am-8pm, and in St John’s 8am-7pm, seven days a week. These units are for the treatment of broken bones, dislocations, sprains strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. More information on Injury Units is available here. However, please note that if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk, the ED will assess and treat you as a priority”.

Exception to visiting restrictions include:

  • Parents visiting children in hospital
  • People assisting confused patients (e.g. dementia) (on a case-by-case basis)
  • People visiting patients who are critically unwell or at end of life (on a case-by-case basis)
  • All exemptions are limited to one person per patient only.

 

 

Related News

clancy park caravan 16-04-24 3
Ennis father of five released from custody after Clancy Park illegal encampment removed
Charity Golf Day 2025 Insta Square - Copy
Annual charity golf classic at Limerick Golf Club to benefit Down Syndrome Ireland
pepper 1
Employee stole €84,000 of laptops from Shannon employer to fund gambling addiction
4
Fresh Arrivals at Blossoms on the Go: perfect plants for your garden & Mother’s Day gifts

Advertisement

Latest News
clancy park caravan 16-04-24 3
Ennis father of five released from custody after Clancy Park illegal encampment removed
clare v wexford 23-02-25 aidan mccarthy cian galvin patrick crotty tony kelly ryan taylor david reidy 1
Kilkenny win over Limerick confirms Clare's relegation from top tier of league
clare v laois 15-03-25 ikem ugwueru josh hogan 1
Clare stage dramatic comeback to leave Laois with vital win
paul o'brien william banks 1
Book by Kilrush academic raises €55k for Down Syndrome Limerick
clare v westmeath 15-02-25 ellen casey 1
Clare qualify for camogie league final
Premium
clare v laois 15-03-25 ikem ugwueru josh hogan 1
Clare stage dramatic comeback to leave Laois with vital win
clare v westmeath 15-02-25 ellen casey 1
Clare qualify for camogie league final
clare v tipperary u20 15-03-25 daire culligan 1
Clare caught for second week in a row as Tipp nab last minute winner
pepper 1
Employee stole €84,000 of laptops from Shannon employer to fund gambling addiction
tulla utd v newmarket celtic b 09-03-25 cian foley 1
Sixteen becomes eight in Clare Cup

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.