Winter vomitting bug restrictions at Portiuncula Hospital

Visiting Restrictions to remain in place over the weekend at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe is advising that due to the presence of Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) on a number of wards, visitors will not be permitted to the affected wards this weekend. The situation will be reviewed again on Monday. Arrangements will be made for family members of critically ill patients to visit and this should be arranged through the nurse on duty in the ward. Control measures to reduce the risk of Norovirus spreading to other patients and to other areas/departments within the hospital have been put in place. The cooperation of the general public in preventing the spread of this infection is required and the following is asked of them: ·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 (1 person per bedside) and be confined to visiting times only (2pm - 4pm or 6.30pm - 8.30pm). ·No children are allowed visit during this time as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus. ·Visitors who themselves may be unwell should not visit the hospital. ·Visitors are asked to wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area. Members of the public with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea are advised to contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance and not to attend the Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary.