Hospitals across the Shannonside Northern Sound region have enacted new visiting restrictions in the face of the ongoing Omicron surge.
Elective procedures have been cancelled or postponed at the majority of local hospitals, while many outpatient appointments are still taking place at this time.
Visiting a patient at the majority of local hospitals is now under compassionate grounds only and on a case to case basis.
Those hoping to make an appointment to visit in an emergency must contact the specific ward and organise attendance with the nurse manager.
Sligo University Hospital, UHG, Cavan General Hospital and the Midlands Regional Hospitals in Mullingar and Tullamore are all tightening restrictions around access to the facilities.
Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is the only local hospital currently accepting one visitor per day for each patient between 6 and 8pm, with an appointment required for attendance.
All visitors to hospitals nationwide must go through a Covid screening process, wear provided PPE and have proof of vaccination.
While elective procedures across the nation are being scaled back and cancelled, outpatient and day surgeries in many hospitals are continuing with the public urged to attend appointments unless notified.
