Visiting restrictions remain at Cork's CUH with 'high number' of norovirus cases

Enhanced visitor restrictions at Cork University Hospital (CUH) will remain in place until next week due to a “high number” of norovirus patients in-situ.

The restrictions, which were first implemented on March 5, have been put in place to reduce the spread of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, among patients, staff and visitors at the hospital.

According to a spokesperson for the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) South West branch, while CUH expects that the outbreak on the ward initially affected will be declared closed “shortly”, some new cases continue to be confirmed elsewhere in the facility.

“As we continue to see a high number of patients with norovirus infection in CUH, with some cases arising from outside the hospital, full visitor restrictions will remain in place and will continue into next week,” the spokesperson said.

“We appreciate that these restrictions are difficult for families, but they are in place to protect vulnerable patients.

“Crucially, the number of staff with norovirus has significantly reduced since the restrictions have been put in place, which is a positive development, and which demonstrates that the visitor restrictions are having an impact.

“The situation is constantly under review, as further clinical, laboratory and public health information becomes available, including updates on the level of norovirus activity in the community.

“HSE South West thanks the public for their ongoing co-operation.” Under the current restrictions, members of the public are asked not to attend the hospital campus to visit friends or relatives, unless prior approved on compassionate grounds with the clinical team.

This can be done by calling the hospital switchboard on 021-492-2000 and asking to be put through to the individual ward.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea is also asked not to attend the hospital unless they require urgent medical care.

Infection prevention and control measures that are currently being implemented at the hospital include increased emphasis on hand hygiene compliance; enhanced environmental cleaning; staff and community communication and education initiatives; increased testing frequency; and improved clinical identification, isolation, and co-horting of cases where appropriate.