Norovirus outbreak at Mayo University Hospital

Due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug (Norovirus) in one of the wards in Mayo University Hospital (MUH), the hospital is advising that visits to the affected ward will be restricted to those who have reason to visit on compassionate grounds.

MUH is also requesting that people do not visit the hospital if they are feeling unwell form symptoms of winter vomiting or flu like symptoms.

Visitors to the affected ward will be facilitated on compassionate grounds only and the hospital will take cognisance of the Christmas season. To arrange a visit on compassionate grounds, please contact the ward manager in advance. The hospital advises that visitors to the affected ward should be aware that they may be taking a risk of contracting norovirus.

Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager said, “We appreciate that restricting visiting at this time of year is difficult for patients and their families. However, we must take every measure we can to protect our patients, many of whom are already very ill. We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of the winter vomiting bug and other infections in our hospital and we are appealing to our community to help us do this.”

“Anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting is asked not to visit the hospital. We are also appealing to the public not to visit the hospital if they have had contact with people with these symptoms. These measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to sick vulnerable patients.”

To minimise your risk of catching an infection while visiting, please ensure the following:

• If you have any symptoms (diarrhoea/vomiting), you should not come to visit until all symptoms are fully resolved for at least 48 hours;
• Clean your hands with alcohol gel if visibly clean or soap and water after using toilet or visibly soiled hands;
• Surgical mask - clean hands before putting on a new one before visiting patients; this should be discarded on leaving the hospital and hands cleaned;
• Please do not use patient toilets on the wards or en-suites; visitor toilets are available at ground floor level.

The hospital would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation.