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Hospital ward shut in third winter vomiting virus outbreak      4/2/10

 

 

A main ward at Western Isles Hospital has been shut to new admissions after a third outbreak of the winter vomiting virus.

 

Visiting hours to all wards have been cut to help prevent the spread of infection and visitors are asked to stop giving patients gifts of fruit or flowers.

 

The illness hit Medical Ward 2 today (Thurs) and patients are being effectively quarantined as much as possible.

 

The contagious norovirus illness has presented a weekly cycle of peaks and falls in the Stornoway hospital.

 

This is the third time in three weeks that it has struck though different wards have been affected each time.

 

The isles health board say a “small number” of people are affected. On past trends this could mean about a dozen nurses and patients.

 

People who are unwell with the bug at home are asked to stay away from hospital, and other places like nurseries and care homes, until at least 48 hours - preferably three days - after symptoms have gone.

 

The winter vomiting bug is an airborne virus which spreads rapidly particularly at this time of year.

 

It causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is passed on from person to person throughout the community and in confined spaces like hospital wards.

 

Strict infection control procedures are being implemented and the situation will be reviewed on a daily basis.

 

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson stated: “Visiting hours have again been restricted to between 3pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm and we would appreciate the cooperation of members of the public to help prevent the spread of infection within the hospital.

 

“Until further notice, we would also appreciate if visitors do not bring flowers or food to patients in the hospital, as a further infection control measure.”

 

Dr Louise Scott, GP Health Protection Team NHS Western Isles, issued the following general health advice:

To minimise the spread of Norovirus within the home:

   * Wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet - consider keeping separate towels to minimise the risk of cross-infection in the home.

 

  * Hand washing with soap and water, not just using the alcohol gels,  is important

 

  * Similarly clean and wash down any surfaces that have been contaminated with a bleach-based disinfectant. Take care to ensure that the disinfectant is used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

  * Don’t prepare food for other people as you may contaminate the food.

 

Additionally those with symptoms should

 

  * Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.

 

  * Stay at home if possible until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

 

  * Especially do not visit hospitals, nurseries or nursing homes if affected