Visiting restrictions continue at Mayo University Hospital

VISITING restrictions continue to remain in place at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar due to a number of patients displaying symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting caused by Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.

To help curtail the spread of Norovirus, the hospital is appealing to the public to adhere strictly to visiting restrictions and hygiene guidelines and help stop the spread of the virus to vulnerable patients.

Due to the presence of Norovirus in A Ward and C Ward, visitors will not be permitted to the affected wards at this time. Arrangements will be made for family members of critically ill patients on the affected wards; this should be arranged through the nurse on duty in the ward prior to arrival at the hospital.

Visiting to non-affected areas of the hospital are strictly limited to visiting times as a precautionary measure. Hospital visiting times are from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.

There has been an increase in the number of cases of norovirus in the community and anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting or who has had contact with others who have these symptoms should not visit patients in the hospital to avoid spreading the virus.

Hospital management has put control measures in place to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other areas/departments within the hospital.

Mayo General Hospital wishes to thank patients and the public for their cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.