Cork University Hospital has closed its doors to visitors except on compassionate grounds
Cork University Hospital. (Image: Google)
Cork University Hospital has ramped up its response to the significant norovirus outbreak that has already led to stringent visitor restrictions – effectively shutting down wards to safeguard patients.
Starting today, visitors will only be permitted into the hospital on ‘compassionate grounds’, and even then, only after clearance from clinical teams as CUH grapples with “an unprecedented surge of norovirus (winter vomiting bug) across the hospital.”
The hospital is battling to shield patients and staff from this highly serious virus which triggers sudden severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads incredibly easily. It can pose a grave risk to individuals who are already medically vulnerable.
CUH CEO, Jennifer Kearney, stated they were appealing to the public to assist them in protecting everyone in the hospital during this particularly challenging period.
“Outbreaks are currently impacting 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,” said the hospital CEO, reports Cork Beo.
“The public should be aware that all entrances to the hospital have been secured and entrance to the hospital is being carefully managed.”
The public are urged not to visit the hospital premises to see friends or family, unless this has been prearranged on compassionate grounds with the clinical team. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should refrain from visiting the hospital unless they require immediate medical attention.
Aaron Doherty, Consultant Microbiologist at CUH, stated: “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.”
Jennifer Kearney added: “The hospital thanks the public for their cooperation as staff work to protect patients and bring the outbreak under control.”
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