No end in sight to ongoing visitor ban at CUH

STRICT visiting restrictions put in place at the Cork University Hospital are set to remain in place for the foreseeable future as its isolations units continue to be stretched due to an outbreak of both the flu virus and Noroviris (winter vomiting bug).

The ban on visitors to the hospital was put in place at the start of the year following a significant surge in the numbers of people presenting with flu like symptoms.

At the time Dr Mike O’Connor, clinical director at the CUH, said the surge had put a huge amount of pressure on its isolation units.

“Illnesses like the flu and Norovirus are, in most cases, brought into the hospital by visitors who have come into contact with it outside the hospital. It’s very important we do all we can to prevent the spread and that people abide by the restrictions.”

While the Infection Prevention and Control Team at the CUH continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, the visitor ban will remain in place until they are satisfied the outbreak has been contained.

Meanwhile, cancer, emergency and outpatient services at the CUH will continue as normal, with those attending outpatient clinics urged to ensure they bring their appointment letters with them.

A CUH spokesperson said the ongoing visitor ban was necessary in the interest of patient care and they regretted any inconvenience the “necessary measure” was causing to patients and relatives.

“All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of both the flu virus and Norovirus,” said the spokesperson.

They asked that people suffering from flu-like symptoms make initial contact with their GP by phone and do not present themselves to the emergency department at the CUH.

“We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep emergency department services for the patients who need them most. For example, many people with limb injuries can go to the injury unit at Mallow General Hospital,” said the spokesperson.

“Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where they can be referred to an assessment unit the following day if required”.