Galway Bay fm newsroom - The HSE has issued a statement over a suspected outbreak of the vomiting bug Norovirus on a ward at University Hospital Galway.
It's asking people to comply with visitor restrictions and says in order to assist staff in curtailing the spread of the virus, it is imperative that only essential visiting takes place during this time.
The statement also advises children should not visit the hospital as they may be particularly susceptible to the illness.
The HSE says there has been an increase in the number of cases of norovirus in the community and anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting - or who has had contact with others who have these symptoms - should not visit patients in the hospital.
Patients with pre-planned hospital appointments should attend their appointment as normal, unless otherwise advised by the hospital.
Infection controls procedures are in place on the affected ward and will remain so until further notice.
Meanwhile, the HSE advises the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today with 23 patients awaiting admission.
Those attending the Emergency Department are warned to expect significant delays - and are being advised to attend the hospital only in case of genuine emergency and to contact their GP or out-of-hours service in the first instance.
