Over 150 people attend Mayo University Hospital’s ED in 24 hours amid increase in Norovirus cases
160 presentations were recorded yesterday, Monday, March 23, at the emergency department (ED) in Mayo University Hospital (MUH), as the hospital reported a high level of very unwell patients.
MUH has advised that the ED is extremely busy, with a high number of those attending the department requiring hospital admission for further treatment.
The hospital has also reported an increase in patients presenting with Norovirus symptoms, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.
Anyone who is experiencing diarrhoea and/or vomiting symptoms is asked not to visit the hospital in order to protect vulnerable patients.
Yesterday, MUH announced that some elective procedures are being deferred this week due to ongoing bed pressures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are currently under review for the remainder of the week.
All available beds are currently in use, and the hospital has said that “every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready and safe to go home, or to an alternative care setting” in order to free up beds for patients who need to be admitted.
MUH is asking people to attend their GP or local out-of-hours service in the first instance, where appropriate.
In addition, those with minor injuries are reminded that the Roscommon Injuries Unit is open daily from 8am to 8pm and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains, and wounds.
Those who require emergency care are encouraged to attend the ED, where they will be seen on a priority basis.
MUH has warned that those attending for non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.
HSE West and North West acknowledged that these delays are difficult for patients and their families and sincerely apologised for any distress caused by delays and cancellations.
They have also issued the following advice to those who are visiting the hospital to help minimise the risk of catching an infection:
If you have any symptoms (diarrhoea/vomiting), you should not come to visit until all symptoms are fully resolved for at least 48 hours.
Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or whenever they are visibly soiled.
Please do not use patient toilets on the wards or en-suites; visitor toilets are available at ground floor level.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.