Response from Wexford General Hospital
WEXFORD General Hospital said it has put in place all the recommended HSE health and safety protocols including social distancing and the wearing of face coverings by all staff and patients attending outpatient clinics.
A spokesperson said the hospital has 11 allocated waiting spaces in the outpatient department waiting room which are two metres apart, with an additional three to four chairs available in the corridor to accommodate additional patients.
‘Our ante natal clinics run from 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with 10 slots allocated for patients scheduled in 15 minute intervals, with time allowed for deep cleaning and de-contamination after each patient appointment.
‘We ask all patients to not attend the clinic before their scheduled appointment. If they do attend early they are asked to wait in their car if possible. The clinic has a total of four treatment rooms and is managed by three doctors and two midwives in order to allow for patient flow in the clinic to progress and ensure that adherence to the National guidelines on public health and safety are followed.
‘ They also ensure that patients and staff are wearing their face coverings at all times, adhering to hand hygiene and adhering to social distancing in so far is possible.
‘However, it is however difficult to predict delays in treatment of some patients which may cause delays in the scheduled appointments and therefore creating some backlog.
‘Where a patient may go over the scheduled time for their treatment, and if patients do not have a car where they can wait, every effort is made to manage a situation where capacity in our waiting area becomes greater than our capacity allows.
‘We sincerely apologise to any patient who may have to wait beyond their scheduled appointment and ask any patient who feels that social distancing guidance is not being followed, to please bring it to the attention of staff.’
The hospital spokesperson said partner restrictions continue to be in place in the outpatients waiting area in order to continue to provide a safe service for all patients who may be required to attend clinics. In relation to partners being allowed to be with patients during labour, she said Wexford General Hospital has facilitated husbands and partners for the entire labour throughout the course of the pandemic.