Vomiting bug hits fourth hospital

THE rampant winter vomiting bug has affected a fourth Cork hospital.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Southern Area has introduced strict visiting restrictions at Bantry General Hospital, where one adult ward is affected, in an effort to contain the virus.

Visiting restrictions are still in place at Cork University Hospital (CUH), St Raphael’s Centre in Youghal, and at two wards in St Finbarr’s Hospital.

“The winter vomiting virus is extremely infectious and is very much at large in the community,” said Breda Cronin, Bantry General’s director of nursing.

“We are therefore appealing to the public for their cooperation as we restrict visiting to direct next of kin or immediate family only.”

The virus, which health chiefs said is rampant in the community, has affected three other healthcare facilities in the Cork region since April 5.

A complete ban on visitors is still in place at CUH, except for those of critically ill patients.

The hospital’s radiotherapy and chemotherapy day units and the outpatients department remain open.

There is a complete ban on visitors to St Oliver’s Ward and St Clare’s Ward at St Finbarr’s Hospital.

The rest of the hospital, including the maternity unit, has not been affected.

Visitor restrictions are also still in place at St Raphael’s Centre for people with intellectual disabilities, where a number of staff and residents are affected.

Gerry O’Dwyer, the HSE’s hospital network manager, said the virus has the capacity to severely disrupt the day-to-day running of hospitals.

“We would ask visitors, therefore, to be mindful of how contagious the virus is and also thank them in advance for their cooperation and support.”

People with concerns about visiting sick relatives should contact the nursing sister on the ward they intend to visit or to ring the hospital or centre prior to visiting.