There’s been a significant drop in the level of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital this afternoon.
Earlier today, there were 69 patients waiting for beds at the Dooradoyle facility, which is among the highest ever figures recorded by nurses there.
The UL Hospitals Group says that figure has dropped to 27 this afternoon.
The UL Hospitals Group says infection control measures implemented as a result of an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug have impacted significantly on the level of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital.
A a ward which was temporarily closed to enable a deep clean to take place re-opened this morning, helping to ease overcrowding.
There are two confirmed cases of the winter vomiting bug today, while a number of other patients are symptomatic – a number of patients have been isolated and beds remains closed.
People are being asked to attend their GP or out of hours GP service, where possible or to attend the injuries unit at Ennis General Hospital, and to leave the ED for emergencies only.
The hospital says a number of additional measures have been taken to ease pressure on the ED including the transfer of patients to Ennis, Nenagh, St John’s and Croom.
Full Statement from the UL Hospitals Group
Strict visiting restrictions continue at University Hospital Limerick following an outbreak of the norovirus (winter vomiting bug). As of 2pm, November 29th, there were two confirmed positive cases of norovirus at UHL with a number of other patients symptomatic.
As norovirus can be carried in to the hospital by patients or visitors, it is necessary to ban all visitors to Wards 3A, UHL.
Ward 1A has now reopened but visitor numbers, are like elsewhere in the hospital, restricted to one person per patient only. Members of the public are reminded that visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to. Members of the public are advised not to bring children on visits anywhere in the hospital. Parents visiting children are unaffected by the restrictions but are advised not to bring siblings.
We regret any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interests of patient care.
All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the virus. Patients are being isolated as appropriate and a number of beds have been closed to admissions in accordance with IP&C protocols. This has impacted on bed capacity leading to significant number of patients waiting to be admitted to beds in UHL this morning (29th Nov).
A ward in UHL which had been closed temporarily to enable a deep clean to take place re-opened at 8am this morning and the number of patients waiting for beds reduced at 2pm today to 27. A number of beds remain closed as norovirus is still active and we expect bed capacity to continue to be impacted over the coming days as the situation is managed
People with symptoms including abdominal pain and nausea; followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the Emergency Department at UHL.
UHL has been experiencing a high number of patients attending the ED in recent days. We have admitted a lot of seriously ill patients recently, many of who remain in the ED awaiting a bed.
A number of measures are taken to relieve pressure on the ED in line with our escalation plan including the transfer of suitable patients from UHL to Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, St John’s Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital; the transfer of appropriate patients to community care settings; working closely with Community Intervention Teams to provide antibiotics and other basic care in a patient’s home or care facility; communication with GPs to ensure patients are referred to ED only where appropriate; extra ward rounds; and as a last resort, extra beds are put on wards.
We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep ED services for the patients who need them most. For example, many patients with limb injuries can go to an Injury Unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospital. Injury Units are open in Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday and 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday at St. John’s Hospital. Others with a less serious illness can be treated by their GP or out of hours GP service where their GP can refer them to an Assessment Unit the following day if required.
However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority.
What is Norovirus?
The vomiting bug known as norovirus usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
The virus is highly infectious and is spread by:
* direct contact with vomiting or diarrhoea
* from the air around someone who has just vomited
* from contaminated food
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. If symptoms persist, contact your GP by telephone and advise him/her of your condition before going to the surgery so as to limit the spread of the virus.
Tips to avoid the bug:
*Wash hands carefully
*Clean surfaces with diluted household bleach
*Do not share towels
*Wash towels on hot cycle of washing machine
