If you have the symptoms (vomiting or diarrhoea) of Norovirus, please stay away from St Mary’s Hospital, is the appeal from the Chief Nurse.
The virus is known to be circulating in the Isle of Wight community and nine patients at St Mary’s have “ongoing developed symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea that could be associated with Norovirus (viral gastroenetritis)”.
We’re told that out patient appointments are continuing as normal, but visiting times are restricted to 2-3pm and 7-8pm.
It is recommended that young children are not taken into the hospital for visits.
Carol Alstrom, Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention & Control said: “We had problems with Norovirus over the winter period and thanks to the co-operation of the public and our staff we managed to contain the outbreak. We have left in place restricted visiting to St. Mary’s to try and reduce the risk of infection being brought into the Hospital.
“What is vitally important is for people to keep away from the hospital if they have been unwell recently, especially if they have had vomiting or diarrhoea in the past 48 hours. Gastroenteritis is highly infectious. I would discourage parents from bringing young children into the hospital to visit friends and family at this time.
“It is also essential that those entering and leaving the hospital and indeed entering and leaving the Ward areas cleanse their hands both on entry and when they depart. The co-operation and assistance of Islanders and visitors is much appreciated as we try to reduce infections for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff alike.”
Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Adviser for the Island, adds: “If people in the community begin to show signs of infection the first step is to drink plenty of fluids. The very young and elderly should take extra care as dehydration is more common in these age groups. If the symptoms persist, they should telephone either NHS Direct (0845 46 47), their own GP Surgery or for out of hours advice, contact the Island Health Line (0845 6031 007). They can also find further details of symptoms on the NHS Direct website.”
Image: dreamingofariz under CC BY 2.0
