The Mater Hospital is appealing to people not to attend its emergency department as it's under extreme pressure.
Management says it's due to the large number of patients in the hospital with transmissible respiratory infection, in particular Covid-19 and flu.
A temporary visitor restriction is being introduced to avoid unnecessary exposures to patients, staff and members of the public.
People with non-urgent conditions are advised to seek medical help elsewhere, while any patient in need of emergency hospital care will be attended to.
Visitor Restriction
It's issued the following statement: "The Mater Hospital is again appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its emergency department (ED).
"Hospital services are under extreme pressure due to the large volume of patients in the hospital with transmissible respiratory infection, in particular Covid-19 and influenza.
"A temporary restriction of visiting is being introduced to avoid unnecessary exposures to patients, staff and members of the public.
"Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen. Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as minor injury units or their GP.
"However, any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care.
"Due to the high volume of patients in the hospital with a transmissible respiratory infection, daily visits by one designated support partner / family member will be permitted for:
- Patients undergoing end of life care
- Critically ill patients
- Vulnerable adults
- Patients with a visit requirement due to mental health conditions.
"This restriction will be reviewed every two to three days over the next two weeks."
