Access to the wards for support partners is now"limited to one two-hour slot per day between the hours of 2pm and 8pm," according to a statement released by the hospital.The outbreak was declared on an inpatient ward on 28 December when"a number of patients tested positive."
According to hospital management, the restrictions to all inpatients wards were a"precautionary measure" and were"being introduced at a time of high community transmission which is affecting patients and staff." “We expect to admit a number of women who have tested positive in the coming days and Covid-19 related staff absences are increasing across the health service,” the statement said.
“An outbreak control team has been established and we wish to reassure patients and their loved ones that all appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading. “We also recognise the difficulty and distress any restriction in access causes to service users and their loved ones. We will continue to facilitate access for nominated support partners to the greatest degree practicable, these temporary restrictions will be reviewed on a continuing basis and we will issue a further update in the coming days.