BEAUMONT Hospital is urging people not to visit unless
their visit is really essential and unavoidable.
The hospital is continuing to manage an outbreak of
norovirus, also known as the Winter Vomiting Virus, which has affected patients
and staff in many wards.
Since the start of the outbreak some four weeks ago
more than 230 patients have been affected, as well as a number of staff.
Symptoms of the virus are severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.
A spokesman for Beaumont Hospital told Northside
People that the outbreak is being managed appropriately.
“However, we really do need the co-operation of the
public in dealing with it,
? he said.
“So far we have refrained from imposing an all out ban
on visiting. But we may have to do that if people do not fully respect the
existing restrictions.
?
The current restrictions are that only truly essential
visits should be made, there should never be more than one visitor per patient
and visiting is confined to 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.
The spokesman also emphasised that children should not
be brought in as visitors under any circumstances whatsoever.
“We do understand that people are anxious to spend
time with loved ones who are in hospital,
? the spokesman stated.
“But this virus is highly transmissible and it is in
everyone’s best interests – patients, visitors and staff – to limit all
movement within the hospital as much as we possibly can.
?
He added:
“Our message is simple: Please help us to do
our job, which is to care for your loved one, by refraining from visiting in
anything other than exceptional circumstances.
?
Norovirus is known to be widespread in the community
and Beaumont is asking people who have the symptoms not to visit the Emergency
Department.
The virus is a self-limiting illness, usually lasting
24 to 48 hours and does not usually require medical treatment.
People with these symptoms should take plenty of
fluids and, if they are concerned about them, they should contact their GP.