The emergency department at Mayo General Hospital is under pressure as an “exceptionally high volume” of patients are presenting there with winter vomiting symptoms, said a hospital spokesperson this afternoon (Friday, February 6 ).
The hospital is now asking the public to cooperate with infection prevention and control measures in place to minimise the spread of the infection.
“The hospital’s ED is struggling to isolate all patients due to lack of isolation facilities,” said the hospital spokesperson.
“Patients with ‘winter vomiting’ symptoms such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting should contact their GP or GP out of hours service in the first instance.
“There is an ongoing outbreak of the Norovirus infection (winter vomiting ) affecting several wards in Mayo General Hospital.
“The public are asked to cooperate with all infection prevention and control measures in place at Mayo General Hospital in order to minimise the spread of this infection within the hospital, particularly the restriction of visiting to the hospital.
“Visiting times are between 2 and 4 pm and between 6.30 and 8.30 pm.
“Restricted visiting is in place on B ward and visitors are allowed only in exceptional circumstances after discussion with the ward manager.
“Arrangements will be made for family members of critically ill patients to visit; this should be arranged through the nurse on duty in the ward prior to arrival at the hospital.
“If you are coming to visit, please strictly adhere to infection control precautions particularly with regards to hand hygiene.”
The hospital appealed to anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting or anyone in contact with someone with such symptoms not to visit the hospital.
