UHG Opening Second COVID Ward to Tackle Outbreak

University Hospital Galway is to open a second COVID ward as it tackles an outbreak at the hospital.

With Galway experiencing a surge in cases, UHG has reconfigured its ICU to free up more beds for COVID cases.

The response to the outbreak is being managed by an outbreak control team working with public health and occupational health.

Those areas of the hospital affected by the outbreak have imposed visiting restrictions.

UHG is urging the public to be vigilant when attending the hospital for treatment or visiting patients. Visitors are asked to only visit if it's absolutely necessary. The hospital is also requiring visitors to have received a COVID-19 vaccination. 

"We are asking our local community to be mindful of the safety of our patients and staff," said UHG General Manager Chris Kane. "Please follow all guidelines when attending at our hospitals. Levels of COVID-19 remain very high in our communities and in the hospital. If visiting the hospital, staying vigilant and cautious will help us to lower that risk."

UHG's emergency department is currently experiencing record numbers of people attending, putting pressure on the hospital which is due to recruit additional nursing staff in the coming weeks.