CUH unit has flu-like outbreak but restrictions to be lifted at St Finbarr's

THE HSE has issued a statement about ‘flu-like’ illness at a unit of CUH.

It is the second such statement in as many days, following a similar statement about the Winter Vomiting bug at St Finbarr’s Hospital earlier this week.

The statement, issued at lunchtime today says:

‘The HSE wish to advise that restrictions are in place at the Acute Mental Health Unit on the grounds of the CUH as a precaution following suspected cases of an influenza-type illness.

Activity within the unit is being restricted, in-line with infection control advice and to avoid the spread of the illness. Detailed plans are in place to ensure that the needs of all service users are met. Only essential visiting is permitted, but families should talk to management at the unit before visiting. The management team at the unit wish to thank everyone for their cooperation. The situation is under constant review and a further update will issue in advance of the Christmas holiday period.

On Tuesday, the HSE issued the following statement in relation to St Finbarr’s Hospital, and says today it is still relevant:

‘We wish to advise that visiting restrictions continue in the rehabilitation wards, St Finbarr’s hospital, as a precaution following the recent outbreak of influenza and winter vomiting,’ it says.

Only essential visiting is permitted to St Oliver’s, St Clare’s and the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.

It adds: ‘The Hospital management team wish to thank everyone for their cooperation. The situation is under constant review and a further update will issue on Thursday in advance of the Christmas holiday period.’

However, at 2:25pm today (Wed) it said the St Finbarr's restrictions would be lifted later:

'The Management team in St Finbarr’s Hospital wish to advise that visiting to the Rehabilitation wards in St. Oliver’s, St. Clare’s and the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit can resume as normal after 6.30pm today. The HSE wishes to thank everyone for their cooperation while the necessary restrictions were in place,' said a statement.