Restrictions put in place at Waterford Hospital following dramatic spike in flu cases
Safety measures, such as mask wearing, are now mandatory in all areas of the hospital , with the situation being kept under review.
As of Thursday, January 2, in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), there are currently 61 flu cases, three COVID-19 patients, and a further three with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), along with this, a high volume of staff across all disciplines are also absent with flu symptoms.
Following continuous presentations of flu symptoms to it's emergency department, and an increase in flu positive inpatients, UHW has put safety measures in place.
Surgical mask wearing is now mandatory in all areas of the hospital for staff and visitors, in addition to the wearing of a filtering facepiece (FFP), 2 masks should be worn in all outbreak wards until further notice.
Visiting at UHW will now be restricted to appointment with the ward only, based on exceptional circumstances. Bag drop-off will also be in place at the Dunmore Wing entrance of the hospital.
All patients attending outpatient services and the emergency department at UHW are asked to attend alone where possible, to minimise footfall. Masks will be available at all hospital entrances and in each ward.
University Hospital Waterford wishes to thank the public for its ongoing support in the implementation of these measures, in its effort to protect all patients and staff, ensuring that the situation will be kept under constant review.
Vaccines continue to be available daily for all who wish to avail, and the HSE are urging all those who are eligible to get their winter vaccines to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of the flu and COVID-19.