Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
281. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if clarity will be provided in relation to visiting restrictions in St James's Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28198/21]
View answerI am aware of how difficult the current visitor restrictions are for hospital patients and their families.
The HSE has advised that visiting arrangements in hospitals have changed to help protect patients and to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Information/guidance on visiting individual public hospitals is regularly updated on hospital websites, as well as on the HSE website.
Decisions on visitor restrictions are made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level. Such restrictions are necessary to protect the safety of patients, the wellbeing of staff and the operability of hospital services. The overall level of vaccination of the population is a factor in decision making, as well as the levels of vaccination of patients and staff. You can be assured that, in the context of the rapidly evolving situation, visiting restrictions are frequently reviewed.
I would also emphasise that anyone with symptoms indicating that they could possibly have Covid-19 should not visit a hospital.
