Mayo General Hospital issues appeal to help control virus

Mayo General Hospital issues appeal to help control virus
TUESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2011 13:18
MANAGEMENT and staff at Mayo General Hospital are seeking the co-operation of the public in preventing the spread of vomiting and diarrhoea illness at the centre.

Visitors are requested to stay away due to the presence of suspected Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) in three wards.

A statement issued to The Connaught Telegraph said: “Presently there is an increased incidence of vomiting and diarrhoea illness in the community and hospital settings.

“The hospital is currently receiving more patients with these symptoms and this has led to increased pressures on beds.



“We encourage the public to contact their GP or GP out of- hours service in the first instance and not to attend the emergency department unless absolutely necessary.

“GPs are requested to only refer patients who are in need of immediate assessment or admission, to the acute assessment unit or the emergency department.

“As a precautionary measure, the hospital has put control measures in place to reduce the risk of Norovirus spreading to other patients and to other areas and departments within the hospital.”

Members of the public are asked to observe the following regulations until the virus is eradicated.

1. Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital unless it is absolutely essential and, where it is essential, visitor numbers should be kept to a minimum and be confined to visiting times only (2 to 4 p.m. or 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.).

2. Visitors who themselves may be unwell or have vomiting or diarrhoea should not visit the hospital.

3. Very young children or those with some other serious illness should avoid visiting the hospital, as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus.

4. Visitors are asked to wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area or after a visit to the toilet.