Cork hospitals battle vomiting bug
Visitor restrictions are now in place at a number of Cork hospitals, following outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug.
A number of cases have been reported in Bantry General Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, and visitor restrictions have been put in place.
Cork University Hospital is also currently restricting visits to one visitor per adult patient between the hours of 6.30pm and 7.30pm, with strictly no children allowed access.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is appealing to members of the public to avoid visiting hospitals if they have been affected by the vomiting bug.
Visitors are also asked to contact the hospital or health facility they are planning to visit to find out if restrictions are in place.
Hospital Network Manager for the HSE South Gerry O’ Dwyer has issued an appeal to the public to refrain from visiting hospitals if they have been affected by the bug.
“We would urgently appeal to people who have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with people with those symptoms, not to visit hospital until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours.
“The bug is currently widespread in the community and people may unknowingly bring the bug into our hospitals when visiting sick relatives or friends.
“Patient care is our priority and we would urge the public to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay, as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital,” he said.
Symptoms include short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea, followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
Highly infectious, the virus also has the capacity to severely disrupt the day to day running of hospitals, interfering with elective procedures and causing a reduction in services if staff members become infected.
Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper
