Breaking: Visiting restrictions in place at Naas General Hospital due to Norovirus
By Kim O'Leary
Strict visitor restrictions have been put in place with immediate effect at Naas General Hospital due to a number of patients exhibiting Norovirus like symptoms.
In a statement issued to local media this evening, Naas General Hospital said: "Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our patients and the reduction in the spread of Norovirus within the hospital. Therefore, we have taken the decision to restrict visiting to Wards Allen, Curragh, Moate and Liffey at Naas General Hospital from today. As this is an active situation, this may change. Patients should contact the hospital before visiting to get up to date information on the restrictions."
Alice Kinsella, General Manager, Naas General Hospital noted, “The hospital are acutely aware that a visiting ban can be difficult for our patients and their families, especially at this time of year. It is something that we have to do to protect patients from the risk of acquiring Norovirus. We are sorry if this causes any inconvenience to patients and relatives. Proper hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent spread of Norovirus. Hand washing is especially important before eating, before preparing food and after using the toilet.”
See www.hse.ie/handhygiene for helpful videos and information about good hand hygiene.
Norovirus infection can cause the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus is highly contagious and commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or contaminated surfaces. You can also be infected through close contact with an infected person. Diarrhoea, abdominal pain and vomiting typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Norovirus symptoms last one to three days, and most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people — especially infants, older adults and people with underlying disease — vomiting and diarrhoea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.
Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care centres and schools. If you have recently had vomiting / diarrhoea, do not visit a hospital or nursing home until you have been well for 48 hours. If your child has had vomiting / diarrhoea, they should not go to school / crèche until they have been well for 48 hours
Most people with norovirus recover at home, with rest, fluids and over the counter medication. The HSE provides useful advice from GPs and pharmacists on how to recognise the Norovirus infection, and care for yourself or someone else www.undertheweather.ie
The website also gives advice on when to seek medical care or advice on the phone. This might be from your Pharmacist, GP, a GP Out of Hours Service, an Injury Unit or in the case of medical emergencies, the Ambulance Service or Hospital Emergency Departments. You can visit www.hse.ie/winter for easy access to contact details for the range of services available
Naas General Hospital has said that infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the Norovirus.
Anyone with any queries about visiting times or visiting a particular ward should ring Naas General Hospital on 045 849500.