Cork hospital ward closed as vomiting bug suspected

Cork University Hospital has closed an orthopaedic ward and postponed inpatient procedures following a suspected outbreak of …

Cork University Hospital has closed an orthopaedic ward and postponed inpatient procedures following a suspected outbreak of the winter vomiting virus.

The 24 bed trauma ward was closed after a number of patients showed symptoms of the highly contagious bug.

The Southern Health Board advises that visitors are restricted to next-of-kin adults only, two at a time. The board is appealing to anyone who has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting to wait for 72 hours before visiting any part of the hospital.

According to a statement,out-patient appointments are not affected and people should present for their appointments as scheduled.

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The board warned however, that the closure of the 24 bed trauma ward has impacted on other services throughout the hospital and has put a strain on services such as A & E where there are long delays.

"It has resulted in the postponement of elective (planned) surgical procedures and a  number of patients already in hospital also had their surgical procedure postponed. Patients are being catered for in other wards in the hospital," said a spokesman.

The winter vomiting virus known as the Small Rounded Structured Viruses (SRSV) is highly infectious  and difficult to control . It  usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and
nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids; maintain strict hygiene and because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes.