Monday 8^th February 2010

Infection control measures strengthened

Restrictions to hospital visiting hours have been strengthened in Western Isles Hospital after further cases of suspected Norovirus emerged.

A number of patients and staff in Western Isles Hospital are currently experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, and Medical Ward 2 was last week closed to admissions.

Visiting hours to the hospital have been restricted to between 3pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm. However, members of the public are asked not to visit Medical Ward 2 until further notice, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to visit the ward should discuss this with ward staff who will be happy to advise.

Those visiting the hospital are asked to wash their hands with soap and water before and after visiting, with only one visitor per patient permitted at any one time. Visitors are also being urged not to visit more than one ward, to help prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the hospital, and they should not bring flowers or food into the hospital until further notice. As new cases can potentially arise on a daily basis, you will be advised of restrictions by ward staff.

Dr Louise Scott, GP Health Protection Team NHS Western Isles said: “Unfortunately experiences with Norovirus in hospitals across the country this winter are showing a pattern of repeated occurrence. We are also aware of the infection in the community at the moment, therefore this further episode is not entirely unexpected. NHS Western Isles continues with stringent infection control measures and in order to limit spread would once again ask any members of the public who have had symptoms of stomach upset in the previous 72 hours to refrain from hospital visiting.”

Members of the public should avoid visiting any healthcare settings if they are experiencing symptoms, which include watery diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting lasting 24 to 48 hours.

Dr Scott, issued the following general health advice to minimise the spread of Norovirus within the home:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet and ensure surfaces including toilet seats, handles and taps are thoroughly cleaned with a bleach based household disinfectant following the manufacturers instructions.
• 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 including toilet seats, handles and taps with a bleach-based household disinfectant. Take care to ensure that the disinfectant is used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

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.
• Do not visit hospitals, nurseries or nursing homes if you have had any stomach upset within the preceding 72 hours

Further information

http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/giz/norovirus.aspx