The Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore is asking for the public's co-operation in avoiding non-essential patient visits due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

Members of the public are requested to avoid the emergency department unless absolutely necessary and should, in the first instance, attend their GP.

Visiting is restricted in wards Medical 1 and Medical 3, but visiting as normal will be permitted to all other wards.

The restrictions will be reviewed tomorrow morning.