HSE South update on crisis as UHK halts elective ops
HEALTH bodies in Kerry and Cork have moved to reassure the public about the steps being taken to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the south west.
On Monday a statement on the COVID-19 crisis was issued by HSE Services in Kerry and Cork; Cork Kerry Community Healthcare; the South South West Hospital Group and the Department of Public Health.
The joint statement thanks the public for their cooperation and provides an update on the tracing of COVID-19 cases.
Director of Public Health in the HSE South Dr Augustine Pereira said her department is working to contact anyone who may be at risk.
“We aim to contact, trace and communicate with everyone as quickly as possible. If people do not hear directly from us, they do not need to be concerned,” said Dr Pereira.
“Ireland remains in the containment phase. That means that all efforts are being made to identify contacts and to give them specific public health advice,” he added.
Gerry O’Dwyer the CEO of the South South West Hospital Group – which includes University Hospital Kerry (UHK) – addressed the restrictions put place in the group’s hospitals
“We have had no option but to restrict visiting at hospitals across the South South West Hospital Group, and also to cancel some appointments at Cork University Hospital. We appreciate how difficult this can be for patients and their loved ones, and we wish to thank them for their understanding,” he said.
Dr Pereira and Mr O’Dwyer expressed their thanks to staff “in all areas of the service who have been working constantly to allow health services locally to respond to current events and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Meanwhile management at UHK issued a separate update on the situation at the Tralee hospital, where elective surgeries have been cancelled until further notice.
“UHK continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation within the hospital and across the South South West Hospital Group and nationally,” said the statement.
“Following a meeting this morning (Monday) of the UHK COVID-19 committee, the hospital has decided to cancel all non-time-critical elective surgery from Tuesday, March 10.
“This measure is necessary in the interests of patient safety and has been taken in the context of the current public health emergency due to coronavirus.
“All affected patients will be contacted by the hospital. UHK wishes to thank the public for their patience and support at this time and apologise for any inconvenience caused to patients.”
The hospital said it will continue to review the decision and keep the public updated.