Full visitor restrictions now in effect at Tullamore hospital due to virus cases

Visitor restrictions which were put in place due to an outbreak of viral infections at Tullamore hospital this week have been extended further so that only "compassionate visits" are currently being allowed.

A statement issued by the HSE this afternoon (Friday) confirmed that full visitor restrictions were now in effect across all wards in the hospital.

It said the Tullamore facility was "continuing to experience a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as Influenza, RSV and Covid-19".

The visitor restrictions were required, the hospital said, to reduce the spread of viruses in the healthcare setting.

The hospital apologised for any inconvenience caused and said visits on critical and compassionate grounds would continue to be accommodated by contacting the Clinical Nurse Manager or Nurse in Charge of the ward in question.

Tullamore hospital added that the measures would be kept under review and that up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients would be available online.

Louisea Burke, Acting General Manger, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, said: "We have implemented visiting restrictions on all wards in the hospital to help keep our patients and staff safe from respiratory viral illnesses, which are widely circulating in the community.

"For now, compassionate visits only are allowed. If visiting on compassionate grounds, we would like to remind the public to only visit patients at the hospital if you are symptom free from flu or other respiratory illness.

"Please visit the HSE website for specific information and regular updates," she added.