Ward 9 closed over the weekend and remains closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting due to a confirmed outbreak of Norovirus affecting 11 patients. There have been no confirmed cases amongst staff.
Advice to members of the public wishing to visit the closed ward is as follows:
• Routine visiting to Ward 9 is suspended. To avoid potential for further spread members of the public seeking to visit relatives and friends in this ward are advised not to travel whilst outbreak measures are ongoing.
• If relatives are concerned about their loved ones, they should contact the ward for advice before coming to the hospital.
• Members of the public visiting other areas of the hospital are asked to comply with the hand hygiene and infection control measures in place by using the gel dispensers located around the hospital or thorough hand-washing.
• If you have experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting please allow a minimum of 48 hours since your last symptom before visiting the hospital.
Elaine Ross, Infection Control Manager, said:
“We can confirm that Norovirus is circulating in the community. This is an unpleasant bug and a person remains infectious for around 48 hours after their last symptoms. Staying away until fully recovered, hand hygiene with soap and water and cleaning using bleach are our best weapons to stop the spread of infection.”
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