Strict visitor restrictions introduced at St Finbarrs Hospital

THE HSE has introduced strict visitor restrictions at St Finbarr’s Hospital in Cork.

The restrictions have been introduced with immediate effect at the Rehabilitation Unit at the Hospital.

The Unit is closed to admissions and the public are being asked to refrain from visiting the unit due to an outbreak of Norovirus at the unit. This is in the interest of patient care and in order to curb the spread of the vomiting bug within the Hospital campus.

Visitors are asked to adhere to these visiting restrictions. Visiting at the unit is strictly prohibited until further notice in order to contain the spread.

Anyone with any queries about visiting times or visiting a particular ward should ring the ward in advance on 021 4923248/4923269. Restrictions do not apply to the other units on the hospital campus.

Rosemary O’Connell, Director of Nursing, St. Finbarr’s Hospital said: 'We would appeal to people not to visit the Rehabilitation Unit at St. Finbarr’s or any healthcare facility if they have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.

'The bug is currently prevalent in the community and visitors may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends.

'Patient care is our priority and we would urge the public to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital.'