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STRICT visitor restrictions have been introduced with immediate effect at University Hospital Kerry due to a number of patients with suspected norovirus – commonly known as the vomiting bug. This is in the interest of patient care and in order to curb the spread of the vomiting bug within the Hospital. Anyone with any queries about visiting times or visiting a particular ward should ring the Hospital in advance on 066-7184000.

Visitors are asked to adhere strictly to the visiting times which are 2pm-4pm and 6.30pm-8.30pm. Two visitors are allowed per patient with strictly no children allowed to visit. Visitors are asked to please respect these restricted visiting times and the security staff at the hospital who are ensuring the restrictions are adhered to.

Visitors are also advised that they must use the alcohol hand gels supplied as they enter and leave the hospital.
Maria Godley, General Manager, UHK, said: “We would appeal to people not to visit UHK or any healthcare facility if they have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours. The bug is currently prevalent in the community and visitors may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. 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.”

There are exceptions to the general visiting hours on five specific wards but, as with all wards, people who have been affected by the bug or who have been in contact with others affected by the bug are asked not to visit any healthcare facility for 72 hours in order to limit the spread of the bug.

· Intensive Care/ Coronary Care Unit, visiting is welcomed but restricted to immediate family only from 3pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm daily.

· Special Care Baby Unit, also known as the Neonatal Unit, visiting is welcomed but restricted to parents and grandparents.

· Ardagh Medical Rehabilitation Ward visiting times are between 4pm-8pm daily.

· Maternity Unit Labour Ward by agreement with nurse manager day/night. Post Natal Ward - Partners only may visit from 12.30pm to 8.30pm.

· In the Children’s Ward, parents or guardians may visit anytime.