MERCY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (MUH) in Cork has introduced visiting restrictions due to an outbreak of winter vomiting.

Visiting is restricted to all areas except for the following people:

• Critically ill, but no more than two visitors at any one time
• Children, but only parents and grandparents may visit children in St Anne’s ward with no more than two visitors per bed at any one time

The hospital’s emergency department has also appealed to members of the public needing less urgent treatment to avail, where possible, of other care services.

In a statement, MUH said: “South Doc is an option for those seeking medical attention outside of working hours, while the Mercy Urgent Care Centre, St Mary’s Health Campus, Gurranabraher is open from 8am to 6pm, the local injuries unit at Bantry General Hospital operates between 8am and 7.30pm and the local injuries unit in Mallow General Hospital is open from 8am and 7pm.”

The hospital thanked the public for their cooperation.

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