(November 18th 2020) Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has announced reductions in scheduled care and the rescheduling of routine outpatient appointments until November 27th 2020 in TUH. These measures are unfortunately necessary for patient and staff safety as the Hospital continues to manage a number of positive and suspected positive COVID-19 cases given the high community prevalence in the Hospital’s catchment area.
Patients whose procedure or appointment is affected by the cancellations are being contacted directly by the Hospital in advance. Affected patients will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity, a number of clinics will continue virtually or by telephone. Since the outset of the pandemic the Hospital has introduced virtual and telephone to reduce footfall and maintain activity levels.
The services that are unaffected include:
- Emergency/trauma theatre
- Endoscopy
- Oncology and other time-critical surgery
- Oncology / Infusion Therapy
- Dermatology melanoma clinic
- Fracture clinic
- Colposcopy clinic
- Urgent outpatient appointments
- Dialysis
- Palliative care
- Radiology
- Haematology Services
Appointments at our offsite facilities including the Simms Building, Russell Building and CRY Unit at Tallaght Cross West will continue as scheduled. Please note patients attending for an appointment should not be accompanied unless this is absolutely essential e.g. for mobility purposes.
Lucy Nugent, Chief Executive of TUH commented: “We greatly regret the impact these measures will have on our patients, many of whom have faced long waits for their appointments or surgery and who I have no doubt have been following the guidelines and self-isolating in advance. However, taking these measures are in the interests’ safety for both our patients and staff. I would like to reiterate that the ED remains open at TUH for patients who need emergency care and it is vital they continue to attend in such cases. As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, patients with any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked not to attend the Hospital for testing but to phone their GP for advice.
We are taking these measures to reduce footfall in our hospital in the coming days. Such cancellations are provided for in the Hospital COVID-19 escalation plan. We very much regret the impact this will have on patients in the coming days and we will reschedule the affected patients as soon as possible. I would like to acknowledge the incredible support from our local community and ask them to hold firm with us as we get through this latest challenge. I would also like to acknowledge the work and support of all staff at this time.”
The Hospital remains closed to visitors with the exception of prior arrangement with a patient’s medical team in the circumstances of end of life or critical illness. This includes no visiting anywhere on the Hospital campus i.e. inside or outside the Hospital / Car Park. This is to protect our patients, their families and our staff. Visitors that attempt to visit will be turned away by security. The Hospital will continue to run their Patient Care Package service for patient’s families to drop or collect items from a patient. This service runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday ONLY from 2pm-4pm. It is not possible to drop off belongings outside of these times.
Please note activity and the Operations at CHI at Tallaght are not impacted by this announcement. The Hospital thanks the public for their cooperation at this time
