Vomiting bug threatens Munster’s biggest A&E
The Health Service Executive (HSE) South appealed to people with symptoms of the bug to stay away from Cork University Hospital’s (CUH) A&E department unless it was absolutely necessary to visit the unit.
Visitor bans remain in place at CUH following an outbreak of the bug there before Christmas.
Mary Boyd, CUH’s director of nursing, said the A&E is sometimes the first hospital door people think of when they need help.
“We would urge people not to bring the winter vomiting bug into the emergency department, in particular,” she said.
“If their needs are not urgent, they are encouraged to consider one of the other doors.
‘‘It could be a far easier and faster way get the right type of help or advice that they need.”
The HSE warned that the virus is still prevalent in the community and urged the public to avoid visiting hospitals until they have been symptom-free for three days.
“This virus is extremely infectious. It is usually quite mild and rarely causes severe problems, however it may be quite unpleasant and debilitating in small children or older people who are already sick; and patient-care is our priority.”
The HSE launched a Use The Right Door campaign recently to help people chose the right access point to health services.
Sometimes the pharmacy should be the first point of contact, other times the GP should be visited.
The A&E unit should only be used for emergencies.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
