ALERT: Tullamore hospital imposes immediate restrictions to stop spread of virus

Tullamore hospital is imposing immediate restrictions to stop spread of a virus.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the hospital said it is experiencing a very busy period with a significantly increased number of people requiring admission to the Hospital.

It adds that due to rising levels of Norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug, visiting restrictions are currently being implemented on all wards of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore to reduce spread of the virus in the healthcare setting.

Visiting on critical and compassionate grounds only will continue. These measures will be kept under review. For up to date guidelines on visiting patients, you can visit www.hse.ie

The hospital says it would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding and consideration.

Where possible, the management at Tullamore Hospital is asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacist, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit. You can visit www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find your nearest injury unit and their opening hours. Injury units are located in Mullingar, Roscommon, Naas and Nenagh. If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, you can visit GP Out-of-hours.

Louisea Burke, Acting General Manger, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, “we have implemented visiting restrictions on all wards in the hospital to help keep our patients and staff safe from Norovirus. The hospital continues to be very busy, we are seeing increases of presentations to our Emergency Department. Unfortunately, people attending with less serious illness or injury are experiencing longer waiting times.”

Any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you suspect you are having a heart attack or stroke, please dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.

Tips to prevent spread of Norovirus:

• Frequent handwashing including before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom.

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).

• Flush or discard any vomit and/or faeces in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

The public are being urged to visit the HSE website to find out more about the norovirus.

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THROWBACK TUESDAY: Out and about for a night for nights on the town in Tullamore from the archives

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