ALERT: Visiting restrictions following Norovirus outbreak at University Hospital Limerick

Visiting restrictions have been introduced at UHL this Sunday as part of the management of outbreaks of Norovirus on several wards at the hospital.

As a precautionary measure, visiting is being restricted on all inpatient wards at UHL.

A UHL spokesperson said that they regretted the inconvenience this will cause for inpatients and their loved ones, but the restrictions were necessary to protect the safety of patients and staff, and to keep essential healthcare services open for all patients.

"We wish to reassure patients and their loved ones that all appropriate infection control precautions are being followed to minimise the risk of spreading infection among staff and patients within our health facilities," they said.

The only exceptions to the visiting restrictions are:

- Parents visiting children in hospital

- People assisting confused patients (e.g. dementia) (on a case-by-case basis)

- People visiting patients who are critically unwell or at end of life (on a case-by-case basis)

All these exemptions are limited to one person per patient only.