Strict visiting restrictions are now in place at University Hospital Waterford due to infection control concerns.
The South/South West Hospital Group announced the measure across all of its facilities.
They're also encouraging people to contact their GP or out of hours service first and explore all other options before presenting at Emergency Departments if their needs are not urgent.
The hospitals where these restrictions have been implemented are as follows:
- Cork University Hospital;
- Cork University Maternity Hospital;
- University Hospital Kerry;
- University Hospital Waterford;
- South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital
- Mercy University Hospital
- Bantry General Hospital;
- Mallow General Hospital;
"This is in the interest of patient care and in order to prevent the spread of infection. Anyone with any queries about visiting times or visiting a particular hospital should ring the respective hospital directly.
"We regret any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures. All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made by each hospital to manage and contain the spread of infection.
"Management at the South/South West Hospital Group has requested that where appropriate the public contact their GP/Out of Hours service in the first instance and explore all other options available to them prior to presenting to Emergency Departments if their needs are not urgent."
