Vomiting bug spreads throughout hospital
The winter vomiting bug has spread to almost all wards of St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin.
More than 120 cases of the highly contagious virus have been reported at the hospital – 27 of those being new cases over the past 24 hours – with over 70 staff members also affected.
Despite every precaution being taken to curtail the spread of the bug, practically all ward areas are now affected, including parts of the Emergency Department.
A hospital spokesman said the is having an impact on bed allocation and admissions through the Emergency Department with the majority of elective admissions having to be deferred.
“The winter vomiting virus is in the community generally and is being brought into the hospital,” he said.
“To help curtail the spread of the virus within the hospital, St Vincent’s University Hospital is appealing to the public not to attend the Emergency Department if only complaining of the effects of the virus as it can spread to other, more seriously ill, patients.
“The hospital is also appealing to the public to avoid visiting patients: where visits need to take place, they are strictly curtailed and visits by children are suspended. These visiting restrictions are essential for the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff and the hospital is appealing to all concerned to cooperate with these arrangements.”
