This is an archived press release.
There are currently patients with Norovirus (viral gastro-enteritis) on five wards at St. Peter’s Hospital – Cherry, Cedar, Swan, Holly and the Acute Medical Unit. A ward at Ashford Hospital was also affected last week but is now clear of the virus.
Nurse Consultant / Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Ann Birler, said: “We are asking visitors and outpatients to support us by not coming to hospital if they have symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting; they should wait for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. If you need to cancel and rearrange an outpatient’s appointment then just call the number on the top of your appointment letter.”
“We also request that only close friends and family visit during this time and if you are unsure whether to come or not then please call the ward caring for your relative and friend and check before setting off. If you do visit then please wash your hands with soap and water (not just use the sanitising gel) when you arrive on the ward and when you leave the ward.”
“Finally, if you or anyone in your family experiences diarrhoea or vomiting then the best thing to do is to stay at home until you feel better. Whilst gastro-enteritis is very unpleasant there is no specific treatment and you generally have to let the illness run its course – drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and get plenty of rest. If you do need medical advice or if symptoms persist then call your GP or 111; do not come to A&E unless you really need to as you will put other people at risk of contracting the infection.”
