Press release – November 6 2018

2018/067

Due to cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, Ross Community Hospital’s two wards have been closed to visitors today – although all outpatient clinics at the hospital are taking place as normal.

Redbrook and Wye wards at Hereford County Hospital remain closed, while Day Case ward, which had been closed, has now been reopened.

This kind of outbreak comes from within the community and is often seen this time of year. Experience has shown that restricting visiting can lessen the chance of spread to both patients and visitors and other areas of the hospital. 

Wye Valley NHS Trust is asking that any visitors with diarrhoea and/or vomiting do not visit any local hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

“We ask that you only come to the hospital if you really need to. Particularly young children, vulnerable elderly visitors and anyone who has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and or vomiting in the previous 48hrs must avoid visiting any of the hospitals,” added Alison Johnson, consultant microbiologist at Wye Valley NHS Trust.

“We want to thank patients and visitors for their understanding during this period and to emphasise that these restrictions are in place to protect our patients, as part of a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections”.

There are some simple steps that the public can take to help stop a norovirus spreading:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food. If you’re in an NHS facility pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and leaving a ward.
• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
• Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic.
• Wash any clothing, or linens, which could have become contaminated with a norovirus. Washing with hot, soapy water will help to ensure that the virus is killed.

Although people usually recover without treatment in 24 to 72 hours, it is important to stay away from work, school, college or any social gatherings until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Ends

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £180 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928 or Amanda Millichip, Communications Officer 01432 355444 ext. 5105.