Vomiting bug outbreak at Galway hospital

Strict visiting restrictions in place

AN outbreak of the winter vomiting bug (norovirus) at University Hospital Galway along with already high level of Covid-19 and flu cases is putting extra pressure on services.

The hospital is currently dealing with a norovirus outbreak in one ward. One ward is closed due to Covid-19 and four additional wards are impacted by the virus. The number of patients with flu within the hospital is also increasing as reflected in the wider community.

The public is asked not to visit UHG if they are feeling unwell or have respiratory illnesses. Visitors to the affected wards will be facilitated on compassionate grounds, on an exceptional basis only.

Need to protect vulnerable patients

Chris Kane, 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, flu and COVID-19 in our hospital and we are appealing to our community to help us do this.”

Anyone with flu like symptoms and those with recent symptoms of diarrohea and/or vomiting is asked not to visit the hospital. They 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.

The hospital also reminds people that it is not too late to get the flu vaccination and the HSE is urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.