Clare councillors have voiced concern with the ongoing ban on visitors at the emergency department in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
On Wednesday last, UL Hospitals Group confirmed that visiting restrictions introduced earlier this month in light of rising infection levels were to be eased.
Scheduled visits to inpatient wards has recommenced, visiting slots are being offered at UHL (during the hours of 2-4pm and 6-9pm daily), and Ennis, Nenagh and Croom Orthopaedic Hospitals (2-4pm and 6-8pm daily). These timed visits are limited to one visitor per patient The Emergency Department, Acute Surgical Assessment Unit, and Acute Medical Assessment Unit at UHL remain closed to visitors.
In recent weeks, county councillors urged the HSE to allow one person accompany patients to the ED in UHL.
Over 200 seats are left vacant in the visitor section of the ED at UHL, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) claimed. He recalled his own recent experience of undergoing a procedure at the hospital where his wife had to wait in the car for three hours late at night. “They should be entitled to sit in the waiting room, it is just not right, the HSE needs to reverse this decision, it is the height of ignorance, there is ample space for social distancing”.
“It is very wrong,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) said of loved ones having to wait in their cars. Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) added, “The accommodation should be met so long as there is adequate provision for social distancing. It is something the HSE needs to look at in UHL”.
A fear factor is developing as a result of the restrictions, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) stated. “With social distancing and the place nearly half empty, older people being made wait in their own cars, both men and women made wait for hours it is unbelievable. It makes older people very nervous to put it mildly. Being in a strange area in the darkness makes people afraid”.
Further criticism was voiced by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who acknowledged that the details do not paint a pretty picture, “a trip to A&E by its nature is unplanned. I don’t think it is good enough”. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented, “You have a lot of vulnerable persons that attend that need the support of their partner, friend or companion, it is disgraceful in a way people who are in those positions are treated.
Concern was raised by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), “I would hate to think we will use COVID and social distancing to make things more difficult for people”.
