Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has warned it may have to take further action to restrict visitors because members of the public are failing to comply with rules in place to prevent the spread of swine flu.
The hospital, one of the country’s largest acute hospitals, issued a statement today urging people to abide by its guidelines.
A hospital spokesman said that despite signs throughout the hospital and widespread publicity concerning the H1N1 pandemic and other infections within hospitals in the north east, some members of the public were not complying with the restrictions.
“We recognise that these restrictions may cause difficulties for some people but in the interests of patient safety we would appeal for the public’s understanding and support at this time,” he said.
The hospital said the existing restrictions were "simple and straightforward".
It reiterated that people should only come to the hospital if their visit was "absolutely necessary".
In addition, no one should visit if they had any signs or symptom of the flu. Children under 14 years of age should not visit "in any circumstances", the hospital said.
Essential visits should also be restricted to the appointed hours of 1pm to 4pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 1.30pm to 8.30pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
Beaumont said these measures were "part of an overall approach to infection control designed to protect patients, visitors and staff".
A total of 16 people, including a pregnant woman, have so far died in the Republic as a result of complications from the H1N1 virus.