20 beds closed in vomiting bug crisis
Cork University Hospital has confirmed it is facing a crisis, with the bug infecting more than 40 patients this week and leading to the closure of 20 beds.
One-hour visitor restrictions now apply at the hospital.
Gerry O’Dwyer, HSE South hospitals’ network manager, described the outbreak as “significant” and said it had also led to difficulties discharging patients into their own homes or nursing homes.
The hospital has been forced to invoke the visitor restrictions. Six medical wards have been affected by bug, also know as norovirus.
Meanwhile, the care of the elderly ward is totally closed to admissions.
Mr O’Dwyer said that one of the wards at Kerry General Hospital had also been hit by a norovirus outbreak.
“There are also outbreaks of it in nursing homes and community hospitals, but they are especially at acute hospitals,” he said.
HSE officials said the virus has had a serious impact on the day-to-day running of the hospital and visiting restrictions are likely to be kept in force for at least another week, or much longer if the situation deteriorates.
Visiting times are strictly restricted to 6.30pm–7.30pm in both CUH and the adjoining maternity hospital, with only one visitor per patient.
The HSE said that no children will be allowed to visit either hospital.
The hospital said visitors are asked to respect the restricted visiting times. Security staff will strictly implement the restrictions.
The HSE also said visitors must treat their hands with an alcohol gel which is supplied as they enter and leave the hospital.
