Visiting restrictions at Portiuncla Hospital Ballinasloe have been put in place following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug. Due to the presence of Norovirus on St Josephs ward, visitors will not be permitted to visit the affected ward. Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital unless it's absolutely essential and, where it is essential, visitor numbers should be kept to a minimum and be confined to visiting times only. Visitors who may be unwell should not visit the hospital. Very young children or those with some other serious illness should also avoid visiting the hospital as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus. The visiting restrictions will remain in place until after the weekend when the situation will be reviewed. Hospital authorities are encouraging members of the public with symptoms of vomiting to contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service.