Hospital steps up efforts to contain Norovirus

Buy photos » Worcestershire Royal Hospital. 0712032NHR.

VISITOR restrictions have been stepped up at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in an effort to try and contain the spread of a contagious winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug.

Visiting on all wards at the hospital is currently restricted to immediate family and a maximum of two visitors per patient as health bosses look to contain the outbreak of Norovirus.

Both the Alexandra Hospital and Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre remain open to visitors.

Stewart Messer, chief operating officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We have meetings several times a day to ensure that we are managing Norovirus outbreaks when they occur but they can cause major service disruption so we really appreciate the public support when we have to impose visiting restrictions. Limiting the number of people coming into our hospital wards significantly reduces the risk of spread of Norovirus and helps us keep the hospital working”.

Anyone with any symptoms of Norovirus such as diarrhoea and vomiting are being asked to stay at home and call their GP surgery for advice or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

There is no specific treatment for Norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course, but there are some simple infection control procedures to follow:

•Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

•Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

•Food preparation for others should be avoided until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

•Telephone your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice if the symptoms do not quickly subside or you have additional concerns.

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