St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin has had an explosion in winter-vomiting bug cases in recent days and has appealed to visitors to stay away unless essential.
Over 100 cases have been reported so far and a number of wards are under quarantine.
"We have 43 staff and 76 patients afflicted by the bug, 15 wards closed to new admissions and five surgical cancellations. We are appealing to the public not to visit patients if they can possibly avoid it and especially avoid bringing children into the hospital. We are doing all we can and the situation is being monitored closely," a hospital spokesman told
ireland.com.
He added that these visiting restrictions are essential for the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff and the hospital is appealing to all concerned to cooperate with the hospital.
Although the hospital's A&E department is open, it is under pressure and people with minor problems should expect delays. St Vincent's Hospital is appealing to the public not to attend the A&E Department if only complaining of the effects of the virus as it can spread to other, more seriously ill, patients.