Half of hospital wards affected by Norovirus (From Western Telegraph)

Half of wards at Withybush Hospital affected by Norovirus

3:33pm Monday 20th February 2012 in News

Eight wards at Withybush Hospital have been affected by the continuing spread of the Norovirus.

Hospital chiefs are appealing for staff to work extra shifts and are imploring the public to stay away from Withybush, as the effects of the diarrhoea and vomiting bug worsen.

More than half the wards in the hospital have been affected by the virus. Wards 1, 7, 10, 11 and the community services integration unit (formerly Ward 14) are now all closed to new admissions. Bays have also been closed on Ward 3, 4 and 12.

Members of the public are reminded not to visit the hospital unless they really have to. Ward staff will do all that they can to give friends and relatives up to date information by telephone.

Hospital staff who might be able to work extra shifts are requested to contact their line manager as soon as possible.

The Health Board is also asking the public to consider if it is absolutely necessary to use services due to the pressure currently being put on its beds.

Members of the public suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting are being asked to stay away from hospital or care facilities and to wait 48 hours after becoming symptom free before returning to work or school.

A health board spokesman said that most people make a full recovery within a couple of days. The main risk of the illness in healthy people was of dehydration, patients should eat easy to digest foods and replace lost fluids. She stressed that good hand hygiene was the most important preventative measure.

If you are affected by the Norovirus follow these five steps:

1. Careful hand washing is the most important preventative measure that you can take. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry afterwards. Do not share towels.

2. Use gloves when handling soiled articles from ill people. Wash soiled clothing and bed linen on ‘hot cycle’.

3. If looking after someone with sickness and diarrhoea, carefully disinfect toilet seats, flush handles, wash-hand basin taps and toilet door handles daily and after use. Use a bleach-based household cleaner, diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Maintain good personal hygiene and hygienic preparation and serving of food.

5. If you have sickness and diarrhoea, don’t return to school or work until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Don't visit patients in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. While many people tend to feel better sooner, illness can still be spread if they return to work or school within 48 hours since the last symptom.