Visiting Restrictions at Letterkenny University Hospital Due to Virus Outbreaks
Letterkenny, Donegal – Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) is implementing visiting restrictions in three wards – Medical 5, Medical 8, adn the Medical Short Stay ward – following outbreaks of norovirus and flu. The hospital is appealing to the public for cooperation to protect vulnerable patients.
Visitors to the affected wards will only be accommodated on compassionate grounds, requiring prior arrangement with the relevant ward manager. All visitors are urged to use the alcohol hand gels provided upon entering and leaving the hospital. These infection control measures are currently in place until further notice.
Hospital authorities are requesting that individuals experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, a sore throat, cough, temperature, or shortness of breath refrain from visiting the hospital.
To minimise infection risk, visitors are advised to: avoid visiting if experiencing any symptoms for at least 48 hours after resolution; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or if hands are visibly soiled; and utilise visitor toilets on the ground floor instead of patient facilities.
The hospital emphasized the importance of vaccination against flu and COVID-19 to prevent serious illness. A link to find vaccine locations in Ireland is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-vaccine/?loc=916b773c626bd5565fdae659bca38a86%3Ad8eaa888a89d87ee7643c767192e0ad7ab569e174678d54ac3eee5903d675566&sortBy=distance&location=Donegal%2C+Ireland
These measures are vital to prevent the spread of viruses to patients, visitors, and staff, and LUH thanks the public for their continued cooperation. Norovirus, commonly known as the ”winter vomiting bug,” is highly contagious and can cause rapid onset of illness. Flu season typically peaks during the winter months, placing additional strain on healthcare resources.
