South Tipperary General Hospital Ban Visitors

In the interests of patient care and as a precaution, a ban on visitors is in place at South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel, in a bid to curb 16 suspected cases of the Winter Vomiting Bug.

All infection control precautions are in place. Relatives of patients are encouraged to use mobile phones for contact as an alternative to visiting (some exceptions may be made, e.g. in respect of those critically ill or for partners re. maternity and parents re. paediatrics).

South Tipp General Hospital

The ongoing situation is being monitored by the management and infection control team on a daily basis. The hospital regrets this inconvenience but it is necessary at this time.

South Tipperary General Hospital General Manager Breda Kavanagh said a range of infection control measures have been put in place to stop the spread of the highly contagious bug.

She urged the public to co-operate with the visitor ban and requested relatives of critically ill patients to telephone the relevant ward via the hospital switchboard number (052) 77197) before visiting loved ones.

The bug is currently widespread in the community and people may unknowingly bring it into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. An appeal to the public to fully co-operate with the restrictions, also advises anyone affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has been in contact with persons with these symptoms not to visit the hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.

According to the HSE, the virus is spread by direct contact with vomit or diarrhoea; from someone who is ill, especially if personal hygiene is not good; from the air around someone who has just vomited and from contaminated food.

People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids, maintain strict hygiene and because of its highly contagious nature, avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes.

If symptoms persist, the HSE advises people to contact their GP by telephone and advise him/her of your condition before going to the surgery so as to limit the spread of the virus.