LIVE: Hospital in Tipperary urges all visitors to now wear a mask when visiting patients

Tipperary University Hospital Management has updated its visiting arrangements in an effort to manage the spread of winter illnesses at the hospital.

In a statement released today the hospital outlined what visitors must know before entering the hospital.

"For the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors, the public is asked to wear a mask at ALL times while in the hospital.

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"Please ensure proper hand hygiene by using the gel dispensers provided at the hospital’s entry points. If you are feeling unwell, you are asked NOT to visit until you are fully recovered."

The hospital shared what times visitors are permitted in the hospital below.

Visiting arrangements:

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• Visiting at TippUH is permitted between 2pm – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm. No visiting is allowed outside of these hours unless in exceptional circumstances by prior arrangement with the ward/department manager.
• Patients in all ward areas are permitted visitors during visiting times only.
• Two visitors permitted at each bedside (in the event that a third visitors comes to the patient’s bedside earlier visitors are requested to leave immediately).
• Children under 12 years are not permitted to visit the hospital unless in exceptional circumstances and by prior approval of the ward/department manager.
• Members of the public who are unwell are asked not to visit patients.
• Visits should be short – approximately an hour but should be appropriate to the needs of the patient.
• Visitors must wear a surgical facemask while in the hospital. The mask should cover the mouth and nose at all times.
• Please use the hand gel or foam at our main entrances before you go in, and before you leave.
• These measures are to ensure the highest levels of infection prevention and control and are aimed at protecting our patients, our staff and those who are visiting the hospital.
• Please note that for infection control reasons flowers or plants are not permitted.

Visiting to the Paediatric Unit

• Parents/guardians/nominated person may visit.
• Visiting to the Paediatric ward is permitted outside of the times outlined above.
• No children are allowed to visit except in exceptional circumstances as approved by the ward manager

Visiting to Maternity Service

• Partners/nominated support person can attend the labour ward with the woman.
• Partner/nominated support person can be with the woman from 8am - 9 pm. In the event of a woman labouring into the evening/night/overnight, the partner/support person can be present until the baby is born.
• Children are not permitted to visit the maternity unit.
• Partner/nominated support persons are welcome at the booking appointment, scan, anomaly scan, or any other visit that may involve communication of particular emotional significance. Please talk to your midwife if you require any additional supports during any visit.

SCBU

• Visiting in the special care baby unit is facilitated for the mother and partner/nominated support person.

Masks must be worn at all times whilst in the hospital and please follow instructions as provided by security at the hospital entrance.