Tallaght Hospital issues visitor warning due to viral infection

Tallaght Hospital has warned that it is dealing with a number of cases of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) a bacteria, which can cause infection that is difficult but not impossible to treat.

According to a statement released by the hospital, “Tallaght Hospital wishes to advise that it is continuing to manage a number of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases.

 

“The majority of patients are CRE carriers and thus experience no symptoms. In rare cases, this can develop into an infection which can be difficult to treat.

“All appropriate precautions and screenings are being undertaken and the number of cases is decreasing accordingly.”

These precautions include restricted visiting hours, with only one visitor only per adult patient during designated visiting hours of 2pm-4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Children are not permitted to visit in any circumstances

Parents/Guardians of paediatric inpatients are allowed to visit as normal as the paediatric unit is unaffected. 

Management at the hospital have said they are expecting and preparing for an increase in demand over the coming weeks, which they say “is in line with previous year”.

“As such, intending patients are urged to contact their GP in the first instance and, if possible, avoid or delay visiting the Emergency Department where cases are managed according to priority.

“Regrettably, this means that less urgent cases will experience delays during very busy periods.”