Restrictions are currently in place on visitors at the Pre Discharge Unit (PDU) in Kilcreene Hospital.
In the interests of patient care and as precaution, a ban on visitors is in place at the Pre Discharge Unit (PDU) in a bid to curb suspected cases of the Winter Vomiting Bug.
All infection control precautions are in place. Relatives should contact t
he PDU prior to any planned visit. Relatives of patients are encourged to use mobile phones for contact instead of visiting.
Please note that outpatients with physiotherapy appointments for the PDU should instead go to the Physio dept in the Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene.
The ongoing situation is being monitored by the management and infection control team on a daily basis. The hospital regrets this inconvenience but it is necessary at this time.
Ms. Anne Slattery, General Manager of St. Luke's General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny has thanked the general public for their ongoing co-operation with the visiting restrictions and reiterated how important it is for patients that these infection control measures are respected saying:
"The vomiting bug is currently in the community and people may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. I would appeal to the public to co-operate with the restrictions currently in place and advise anyone who have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with persons with these symptoms, not to visit hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours. Patient care is our priority and we would urge the public to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital."
The vomiting bug known as Small Rounded Structured Viruses (SRSV) usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It is usually quite mild and rarely causes severe problems, however it may be quite unpleasant and debilitating in small children or older people who are already ill or infirm.
People affected by the virus should drink plenty of fluids; maintain strict hygiene and because of the highly contagious nature of the virus and 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.
