Staff at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) are investigating the outbreak of norovirus on one ward and it has prompted the decision to introduce visitor restrictions.
“We regret having to take these necessary precautionary measures and we are looking for co-operation from members of the public as we manage this situation. There are currently four patients symptomatic on Ward 4A. Therefore we request that visitors are not permitted on this ward until further notice. In the interests of patient safety, it is also necessary to reduce footfall to all areas of the hospital to better manage the outbreak and facilitate cleaning,” a spokesperson for UHL told The Clare Echo.
Until further notice, only one visitor per patient is allowed into the unaffected wards throughout the rest of the hospital during visiting hours (2-4pm, 6-9pm). Visitors that themselves are feeling unwell are advised not to travel to the Dooradoyle facility. “Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. This is important as there have been previous outbreaks secondary to vomiting episodes by visitors on the hospital wards. People with symptoms are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the Emergency Department at UHL”.
“Members of the public are reminded not to bring children on visits anywhere in the hospital. Parents of children in Paediatrics and relatives of those in Critical Care are the only exceptions to this restriction. We regret any inconvenience these necessary precautions may cause to patients and their loved ones. All necessary infection prevention and control measures are being put in place to manage this outbreak”.
