Restrictions remain at local hospital

RESTRICTIONS on visiting are set to continue at St Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny in a bid to curb suspected cases of the Winter Vomiting Bug.

Visiting to all wards at St Luke’s is prohibited, unless for exceptional circumstances (Maternity/Gynae restricted to partners only and Paediatric to parents using external access route). The hospital is closed to routine admissions, except for urgent emergencies and maternity cases. Day case procedures may also be affected.

The situation in St Luke’s General Hospital will be kept under daily review and a range of infection control measures are in place. Up to 14 instances of patients displaying symptoms consistent with the bug have been recorded at the hospital and some staff there have also been affected.

The hospital is also repeating advice to the public that only genuine emergencies should present at the Emergency Department and where possible that people should consult their GP or Caredoc service in the first instance. The Emergency Department remains very busy and is dealing with an increased level of treatment for fractures.

Ms Anne Slattery, General Manager of St Luke’s has thanked the general public for their ongoing co-operation with the visiting restrictions and reiterated how important it is for patients that these infection control measures are respected.

She said: “The vomiting bug is currently in the community and people may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. I would appeal to the public to co-operate with the restrictions currently in place and advise anyone who has been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with persons with these symptoms, not to visit the hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.

"Patient care is our priority and we would urge the public to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital."

The vomiting bug known as Small Rounded Structured Viruses (SRSV) usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It is usually quite mild and rarely causes severe problems, however it may be quite unpleasant and debilitating in small children or older people who are already ill or infirm.

The virus is highly infectious and is spread by

*direct contact with vomit or diahorrea

* from someone who is ill, especially if personal hygiene is not good

* from the air around someone who has just vomited

* from contaminated food

People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids; maintain strict hygiene and because of the highly contagious nature of the virus and avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes. If symptoms persist, contact your GP by telephone and advise him/her of your condition before going to the surgery so as to limit the spread of the virus.

Tips to avoid the bug:

*Wash hands carefully
*Clean surfaces with diluted household bleach
*Do not share towels
*Wash towels on hot cycle of washing machine