CUH restrictions due to norovirus outbreak to remain in place this weekend

HSE South West has advised that the highest level of visitor restrictions due to a norovirus outbreak remain in place at Cork University Hospital (CUH) for the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

Unapproved visitors are not allowed entry to CUH due to an unprecedented surge of norovirus, a winter vomiting bug, which began last week across the hospital.

CUH CEO, Jennifer Kearney said: “I know that the visitor restrictions are difficult for all concerned and I want to thank the public for working with us as we try to control the spread of Norovirus.

“Your co-operation is really helping as we have outbreaks in multiple wards. To protect vulnerable patients, staff, and your own health, all entrances have been secured and access to the hospital is strictly limited. This includes any access to the CUH chapels and religious services.”

Consultant Microbiologist at CUH, Dr Caitriona Hickey said: “Norovirus causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily.

“Washing your hands thoroughly in warm water with soap is the most effective way to protect yourself, as hand sanitisers do not prevent the prevent the spread of this virus.

“Even short visits can spread Norovirus, so we ask members of the public not to attend the hospital campus to visit friends or relatives. In very limited compassionate circumstances, visiting can be facilitated, provided it is arranged in advance directly with the specific ward and clinical team.” 

HSE South West also reminded everyone of the urgent care services available over the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend in Cork, including pharmacies, Out-of-Hours GP services, Injury Units and Emergency Departments.

Emergency Departments are often busier around bank holiday weekends and see the sickest patients first, meaning a that patients with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times.

These patients may get the treatment they need faster at an Injury Unit, which treats injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

This weekend, The Mercy Injury Unit at St Mary’s Health Campus Gurranabraher, available to those aged 10 and older; The Mallow Injury Unit and Bantry Injury Unit, both for those five and over, will all be open from 8am to 8pm.

In addition, the Irish Life Health expresscare clinic is available to treat minor injuries on the same terms as the HSE injury units. It is open from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over.

Other options for non-emergency healthcare include pharmacies, GPs, South Doc for out of hours GP services.

Sonya Cotter, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Cork North and East said: “HSE South West staff will be working over the bank holiday and there are a range of local healthcare options available. Please help us keep the Emergency Departments running smoothly by taking a moment to consider which service works best to provide care quickly, close to your home.” 

Patients who are admitted to Cork hospitals via Emergency Departments should also be aware that they might be transferred to a HSE South West acute setting which best meets their needs – e.g. a move from CUH/MUH to Mallow General Hospital.

Claire Crowley, General Manager, Mallow General Hospital: “Mallow General Hospital is ideal for those needing in-patient care that is not life-threatening.

“Hopefully, you won't need emergency care this weekend but patients presenting to Cork Emergency Departments should be aware that they may be transferred here, to keep acute beds available for high dependency care. Rest assured, we will take good care of you.”