Visiting restrictions are in place at University Hospital Galway due to a number of winter vomiting bug cases at the facility.
Management is appealing to the public not to visit the west’s biggest hospital in a bid to halt the spread of this highly contagious virus.
People are being urged not to visit the hospital, not to bring children there and to adhere strictly to visiting restrictions and hygiene guidelines.
“There are a number of patients in the hospital with symptoms of the winter vomiting virus,” said Ann Cosgrove, the general manager of Galway University Hospitals .
“As a precautionary measure to help prevent the spread of the virus to visitors and to other parts of the hospital we are appealing to the public not to visit the hospital at this time.”
She outlined it is under “tremendous pressure” and the hospital cannot afford to lose beds because of virus outbreaks.
“Patients and staff have to come in and out and we manage that risk as best we can. However, there is a lot of unnecessary traffic through the hospital and we ask people to avoid visiting the hospital and not to visit if they are ill themselves at present or have been recently.
“Our advice is that you do not visit patients at any time if you have diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days or if anyone in your household has had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days. Also, we ask that you please do not bring children to visit the hospital unless absolutely necessary.”
She stated that UHG is grateful to patients and the public for their co-operation and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Advice for visitors
· People who are unwell or have vomiting or diarrhoea, or have had vomiting or diarrhoea in the last two days, should not visit the hospital.
· Children should not be brought to the hospital.
· Only essential visits should be made and should be confined to one person at a time.
· Any essential visits should be made only during visiting hours which are from 2pm to 4pm or from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
· Visitors should refrain from moving from one section of the hospital to another and should avoid canteens and any other food dispensing areas.
· Visitors should wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area or after a visit to the toilet.
· Those with a serious illness should not visit the hospital as they may be more likely to get sick if they come in contact with the virus.
· People who have symptoms such as an upset stomach should not attend the hospital but contact their GP in the first instance if they have serious concerns.
