CUH Visitor Restrictions Remain as HSE Outlines St Patrick's Weekend Healthcare Options

Cork University Hospital continues to operate under its strictest visitor restrictions this St Patrick's Bank Holiday weekend, as HSE South West urges the public to plan ahead for any healthcare needs.

The restrictions are in response to an unprecedented norovirus outbreak affecting multiple wards at CUH. All entrances to the hospital have been secured, with access strictly limited, including to the CUH chapels and religious services.

Jennifer Kearney, CEO of CUH, said:

"I know that the visitor restrictions are difficult for all concerned and I want to thank the public for working with us as we try to control the spread of Norovirus. Your co-operation is really helping as we have outbreaks in multiple wards. To protect vulnerable patients, staff, and your own health, all entrances have been secured and access to the hospital is strictly limited. This includes any access to the CUH chapels and religious services."

Dr Caitriona Hickey, Consultant Microbiologist at CUH, explained how the virus spreads and how to protect against it:

"Norovirus causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily. Washing your hands thoroughly in warm water with soap is the most effective way to protect yourself, as hand sanitisers do not prevent the prevent [sic] the spread of this virus.

"Even short visits can spread Norovirus, so we ask members of the public not to attend the hospital campus to visit friends or relatives. In very limited compassionate circumstances, visiting can be facilitated, provided it is arranged in advance directly with the specific ward and clinical team."

Plan Ahead This Bank Holiday

With Emergency Departments typically busier over bank holiday weekends, HSE South West is reminding the public that Injury Units may be a faster option for non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns.

The following Injury Units will be open in Cork city and county this weekend, from 8am to 8pm each day:

The Mercy Injury Unit at St Mary's Health Campus, Gurranabraher, for those aged 10 and older; Mallow Injury Unit, for those aged five and older; and Bantry Injury Unit, also for those aged five and older.

The Irish Life Health Expresscare Clinic is also available for minor injuries from 10am to 8pm, for those aged 12 months and over, on the same terms as HSE injury units.

Sonya Cotter, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Cork North and East, said:

"HSE South West staff will be working over the bank holiday and there are a range of local healthcare options available. Please help us keep the Emergency Departments running smoothly by taking a moment to consider which service works best to provide care quickly, close to your home."

Other Non-Emergency Options

For those who do not need emergency care, the following services are available:

Your local pharmacist (find yours at hse.ie/pharmacy); your GP for routine matters (check prescriptions before the weekend); SouthDoc, the GP Out-of-Hours service, on 0818 355 999; and the full list of Injury Units is available at hse.ie/injuryunits.

Patients admitted to Cork hospitals via Emergency Departments should also be aware they may be transferred to another HSE South West acute setting, including Mallow General Hospital.

Claire Crowley, General Manager of Mallow General Hospital, said:

"Mallow General Hospital is ideal for those needing in-patient care that is not life-threatening. Hopefully, you won't need emergency care this weekend but patients presenting to Cork Emergency Departments should be aware that they may be transferred here, to keep acute beds available for high dependency care. Rest assured, we will take good care of you."