Strict visitor restrictions at Bantry Hospital due to flu

STRICT visitor restrictions have been put in place with immediate effect at Bantry General hospital due to the number of patients who have presented with flue like symptoms.

In the interest of patient care and in order to restrict the spread of the flu virus within the hospital, it is necessary with immediate effect to ban all visitors to Bantry General Hospital, with the exception of the following: critically ill patients are restricted to one visitor per critically ill patient and confined to visiting times only, and attendance at the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) and Local Injury Unit (LIU) should only take place if absolutely necessary, only one relative per patient attending these areas.

The elderly,children , pregnant women or young adults and those with chronic diseases or vulnerable others are advised not to visit. Outpatient, Day care services and routine hosiptal admissions are not affected.

'We regret any inconvenience  caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interest of patient care. All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the flu virus,' the hospital said in a statement.

People with flu like symptons are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the Emergency Department at Bantry General Hospital.

'We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep ED services for the patients  who need them mpst. Othere will a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.'