Cork University Hospital has said it will be reducing outpatient appointments from Monday to Wednesday next week as it responds to the coronavirus outbreak.
The hospital said all postponed appointments will be rescheduled.
A number of services will not be impacted, with patients instructed to attend as normal:
- Dialysis
- Dressing clinic
- Warfarin clinic
- Endoscopy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Infusions
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Any patient outside of these services whose appointment is going ahead will directly contacted by the hospital.
Meanwhile, all scheduled surgeries are going ahead as planned unless patients are directly contacted.
Meanwhile, strict visiting restrictions remain in place at the hospital.
Restrictions are also in place at 21 other hospitals and hundreds of nursing homes around the country.
There was one further confirmed case of the virus in the Republic yesterday and three in the North – bringing the total on the island to 26.
Symptoms
The HSE is urging anyone who has been to one of seven coronavirus-affected areas in the past two weeks and is experiencing symptoms of the virus to phone their local GP or Emergency Department without delay.
The symptoms are a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever (high temperature).
If you are feeling well, you are advised to carry on with your normal routine.
People are urged to contact the HSE on 1850 24 1850 if they think they have been in contact with a coronavirus patient or if they were at a healthcare facility in another country where coronavirus patients are being treated.
Health officials say there is no need for masks or gloves.
The best way to protect yourself from the virus is to:
- Wash your hands properly and often
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoid close contact with people who are not well.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
