Galway Bay fm newsroom - Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is appealing for a reduction in visitors to protect vulnerable patients.
It's asking families and loved ones of patients to ensure that visits are kept to a minimum.
This, it says, is in order to minimise the exposure of sick and vulnerable patients to viruses.
It says there are significant levels of flu, Norovirus and COVID-19 in the wider community - which is a cause for concern with unrestricted numbers of people visiting the hospital.
The statement acknowledges that limiting visits is not easy for patients and their families - but the measure is necessary to protect patients, many of whom are already very ill.
The hospital is appealing to the community to help ensure patient and staff safety - and is reminding visitors that mask wearing is mandatory in all areas of the hospital.
