County hospital restricts visits

A Cork hospital has been forced to restrict visits due to the high level of Covid-19 infection amongst inpatients.

From today, visits to Bantry General Hospital (BHG) will be facilitated on compassionate grounds only, to be agreed in advance with hospital management.

In a statement, the hospital’s management said it had made the “difficult decision” in order to protect patients, relatives and staff.

Management also confirmed that all visiting arrangements will be reviewed weekly.

The statement read: “Bantry General Hospital empathises with and understands that this announcement will make it difficult for many families, however our priority is to continue to keep your loved ones safe while in the care of BGH, as well maintain the safety and wellbeing of staff at the hospital.

“BGH would like to extend a very sincere thank you in anticipation of the public’s co-operation with these arrangements.”