Normal visiting hours resume at Galway hospital

NORMAL visiting hours at University Hospital Galway have resumed, as the restrictions put in place because of a vomiting bug outbreak have been lifted. The wards which were closed due to the winter vomiting virus have re-opened. However hospital management is urging visitors and members of the public to remain vigilant. â€Å“We are lifting the visiting restrictions now and the outbreak is considered to be over. However, there are signs that the vomiting virus is still active in the community and we are asking visitors to help us keep this virus out of the hospital. â€Å“We request that you do not visit patients at any time if you have diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days or if anyone in your household has had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days,â€Â said Ann Cosgrove, General Manager, Galway University Hospitals. â€Å“The hospital is under tremendous pressure and we simply cannot afford to lose beds because of virus outbreaks. Patients and staff have to come in and out and we manage that risk as best we can. However, there is a lot of unnecessary traffic through the hospital and we ask people not to visit if they are ill themselves or have been recently. Also, we ask that you please do not bring children to visit the hospital unless absolutely necessary,â€Â she added. Advice for hospital visitors â€Â¢ Visiting hours are strictly from 2 to 4 pm and from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. â€Â¢ People who are unwell or have vomiting or diarrhoea, or who have had vomiting or diarrhoea in the last two days, should not visit the hospital. â€Â¢ Children should not be brought to the hospital to visit unless absolutely necessary. â€Â¢ Visitors should refrain from moving from one section of the hospital to another. â€Â¢ Visitors should wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area, or after a visit to the toilet. â€Â¢ People who have symptoms such as an upset tummy should not attend the hospital but should contact their GP in the first instance if they have serious concerns.