Visiting restrictions have been imposed at University Hospital Galway due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug (norovirus) in two wards.
Norovirus outbreaks in St Finbar’s and St Teresa’s mean that visiting in both wards is restricted to compassionate grounds only at this time.
UHG has also been experiencing a high level of pressure on the emergency department this week, with 148 patients presenting on Monday.
With the closure of beds due to the virus outbreak, and the high level of pressure on the ED, people coming to UHG may be waiting a long time for a bed to become available.
“Bed capacity in the hospital is challenged due to a number of bed closures linked to the norovirus outbreak,” a statement from the hospital said.
“Regrettably, this means patients will be waiting a long time to be admitted to a bed from the emergency department.”
“Patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.”
UHG is postponing some elective procedures for Tuesday due to the pressure and lack of beds available.
Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
Anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting or who has had contact with others who have these symptoms should not visit patients in the hospital to avoid spreading the virus to sick vulnerable patients.
