Security staff to make sure no outside visitors for Munster’s main hospital

10:34, 10 Mar 2026Updated 12:26, 10 Mar 2026

Cork University Hospital(Image: Google)

Cork University Hospital has escalated its response to the major norovirus outbreak that has already seen severe restrictions on visitors – effectively closing wards to protect patients.

From today, visitors will only be allowed into the hospital on ‘compassionate grounds’ and even then, only when it has been cleared with clinical teams as CUH deals with “an unprecedented surge of norovirus (winter vomiting bug) across the hospital.”

The hospital is struggling to protect patients and staff from the very serious virus which causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily. It can be extremely dangerous for people who are already medically vulnerable.

CUH CEO, Jennifer Kearney said they were asking the public to help them protect all in the hospital at this very difficult time.

“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,” said the hospital CEO.

“The public should be aware that all entrances to the hospital have been secured and entrance to the hospital is being carefully managed.”

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.

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.”

Jennifer Kearney said: “The hospital thanks the public for their cooperation as staff work to protect patients and bring the outbreak under control.”