The team at Letterkenny University Hospital would like to remind patients who have appointments at the hospital that they should attend their appointments as usual.

Under the guidelines for travel patients are permitted to attend medical appointments at the hospital.

“It is really important that patients turn up for their scheduled appointments.  While we are due to move to Level 5 restrictions from midnight tonight Wednesday, patients are permitted to travel beyond 5km to attend medical appointments.

“We have worked hard to ensure that the hospital and clinics are safe for patients. We have separate entrances to the hospital to allow us manage patients attending the hospital for non-COVID 19 appointments while also managing patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

“Changes have been made to the waiting areas to enable social distancing and all staff and patients must wear face coverings/masks.

“It is important that patients arrive to their appointment on time and avoid coming early to their appointment. In the appointment letter patients are advised to telephone the clinic on arrival, just before their appointment time so we can ensure the numbers of patients waiting at any one time is kept to a minimum. It is also important that patients attend their appointment on their own where possible (children attending an outpatient appointment can be accompanied by one parent or carer), again to minimise the number of people waiting.

“We are asking patients not to come to the hospital for their scheduled appointments if they are showing any symptoms or signs of COVID-19, to minimise spread of the virus. Patients should not come to the hospital if any member of their household is showing any potential symptoms or signs of COVID-19 or if they are a close contact with a confirmed case. If patients have any doubts, we advise that they call us in advance of their appointment to check. This is both for the patients’ protection and the protection of others.”