Cork University Hospital has increased visitor restrictions to the highest level due to an unprecedented surge of norovirus across the hospital.
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily.
Members of the public are asked not to attend the hospital campus to visit friends or relatives, except where this has been agreed in advance on compassionate grounds with the clinical team.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should not attend the hospital unless they require urgent medical care.
Commenting on the implementation of restrictions, CUH CEO, Jennifer Kearney said:
‘Outbreaks are currently affecting multiple wards, and several strains of the virus are circulating. In the interests of protecting vulnerable patients and your own health, unapproved visiting to the hospital is not permitted at this time.’
Consultant Microbiologist at CUH, Aaron Doherty said: ‘Norovirus spreads very easily in healthcare settings, and even brief visits can result in infection and further spread to patients, staff, and families at home.’
Patients who require urgent care and cannot access treatment through their GP or an urgent care clinic should not delay seeking care and should attend the Emergency Department as normal.