Press release – November 9 2018
2018/069

Ward closure at Hereford County Hospital due to Norovirus

Redbrook ward at Hereford County Hospital remains closed to visitors due to Norovirus.

Kenwater ward and Wye ward at Hereford County Hospital, and Ross Community Hospital wards have re-opened to visitors. 

Alison Johnson, consultant microbiologist at the Trust, said:  “We still have one ward closure in place and experience has shown that restricting visiting can lessen the chance of spread to both patients and visitors and other areas of the hospital.

“These restrictions are in place to protect our patients, as part of a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections. 

“It is important that you do not attend appointments or visit hospital if you have diarrhoea and/or vomiting and until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

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 Fiona Gurney/Amanda Millichip, Communications Officers 01432 355444 ext 5105.