In the interests of patient care, strict visitor restrictions are in place at Kerry General Hospital (KGH) from today 14th January in a bid to curb suspected cases of the Norovirus (commonly known as the 'vomiting bug'). Visitors to both Annagh and Aghadoe, wards are asked to make contact with the ward before visiting. Tel: 066 7184000. However, we would request that visitors would try and curtail visiting to the entire Hospital and only visit if it is absolutely essential. Further updates will be provided if and when the situation changes.

Visitors to the Hospital are asked to strictly adhere to visiting times and to use the Spirigel (alcohol gel) supplied as they enter and leave the hospital.

Margie Lynch, General Manager, KGH said "We would urgently appeal to people who have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with persons with these symptoms, not to visit hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours. The bug is currently widespread in the community and people 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," explained Ms. Lynch.

Visiting are asked to adhere strictly to the visiting times at KGH which are:

- General Wards and the Maternity Unit: 2.00pm - 4.00pm & 6.30pm - 8.30pm (two visitors max at a time).

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 / deter the spread of the bug.

Intensive Care/ Coronary Care Unit, visiting is welcomed but restricted to immediate family only from 3.00pm - 4.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.00pm 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 4.00pm - 8.00pm 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.

Attendances to the Emergency Department (ED) at KGH are also not advised if you are symptomatic. 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.

Emergency Department, KGH

The Emergency Department at KGH has been extremely busy over the past 48 hours. The reasons for the increased attendances at the ED seem to indicate an increased level of complex and mixed emergency admissions, including a number of patients with flu-like viruses and respiratory infections.

Hospital management is calling on members of the public not to attend the Emergency Department in KGH unless it is absolutely necessary. If people experience flu symptoms they should contact their GP in the first instance.

Emergency cases are not affected.