Nwicker60
17-May-12, 16:16
Restrict hospital visits or don't come at all if you or a family member has been affected.
AS staff in NHS Highland continue to try and limit the spread of norovirus within its hospitals we are again asking that members of the public restrict their visiting to Highland hospitals and, in some cases, not visit at all if they, or a family member, have been affected by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Raigmore Hospital now has three wards closed to admissions, Ward 2A, Ward 7C, and, as of today, Ward 6C. Caithness General’s Rosebank Ward is also closed to admissions.
Norovirus is particularly prevalent virus common in the community and healthcare settings. Typically it has a sudden onset and can spread quickly and therefore we would urge relatives and any visitors who have experienced any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last forty-eight hours not to visit the hospital.
Strict infection control measures are in place throughout the hospital and we are reminding hospital visitors of the importance of hand hygiene when entering and leaving hospital premises.
Signs have gone up around Raigmore Hospital advising members of the public about norovirus / infection control issues and to remind them about hand hygiene. We are also handing out leaflets at our main entrance.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely difficult to contain.
Dr Emma Watson, Lead Infection Control Doctor for NHS Highland, said: “We know this virus is in the community and it is likely that it has been brought in to the hospital.
“This is why we are asking that visitors are restricted to close family and friends whenever possible to try and prevent the infection coming into the hospital as much as we can. If you or a family member has had these symptoms, please do not come in. By doing this we will be able to limit to spread as much as possible.”
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor. The best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
The public can help to minimise the spread by following some simple rules:-
· Do not visit a hospital if you or someone you live with has symptoms. In particular try and avoid taking young children in to visit patients.
· Wait until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours, as you may still be contagious.
· Wash your hands regularly withsoap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
· Ask ward staff for advice before you bring in food or drink for someone you are visiting in hospital.
· If you visit someone in hospital, don't sit on their bed and keep the number of visitors to a minimum at any one time. Never touch dressings, drips, or other equipment around the bed.
· If you think NHS premises are not as clean as they should be, let the Sister or Charge Nurse know. If you think a healthcare worker has forgotten to wash their hands, remind them about this.
A small number of patients have had procedures cancelled as staff work to contain the virus. These patients have been contacted directly and will be rescheduled as soon as possible. If you have not been advised of a cancellation please come in as normal. We are continuing to monitor the situation.
AS staff in NHS Highland continue to try and limit the spread of norovirus within its hospitals we are again asking that members of the public restrict their visiting to Highland hospitals and, in some cases, not visit at all if they, or a family member, have been affected by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Raigmore Hospital now has three wards closed to admissions, Ward 2A, Ward 7C, and, as of today, Ward 6C. Caithness General’s Rosebank Ward is also closed to admissions.
Norovirus is particularly prevalent virus common in the community and healthcare settings. Typically it has a sudden onset and can spread quickly and therefore we would urge relatives and any visitors who have experienced any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last forty-eight hours not to visit the hospital.
Strict infection control measures are in place throughout the hospital and we are reminding hospital visitors of the importance of hand hygiene when entering and leaving hospital premises.
Signs have gone up around Raigmore Hospital advising members of the public about norovirus / infection control issues and to remind them about hand hygiene. We are also handing out leaflets at our main entrance.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely difficult to contain.
Dr Emma Watson, Lead Infection Control Doctor for NHS Highland, said: “We know this virus is in the community and it is likely that it has been brought in to the hospital.
“This is why we are asking that visitors are restricted to close family and friends whenever possible to try and prevent the infection coming into the hospital as much as we can. If you or a family member has had these symptoms, please do not come in. By doing this we will be able to limit to spread as much as possible.”
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor. The best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
The public can help to minimise the spread by following some simple rules:-
· Do not visit a hospital if you or someone you live with has symptoms. In particular try and avoid taking young children in to visit patients.
· Wait until you have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours, as you may still be contagious.
· Wash your hands regularly withsoap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
· Ask ward staff for advice before you bring in food or drink for someone you are visiting in hospital.
· If you visit someone in hospital, don't sit on their bed and keep the number of visitors to a minimum at any one time. Never touch dressings, drips, or other equipment around the bed.
· If you think NHS premises are not as clean as they should be, let the Sister or Charge Nurse know. If you think a healthcare worker has forgotten to wash their hands, remind them about this.
A small number of patients have had procedures cancelled as staff work to contain the virus. These patients have been contacted directly and will be rescheduled as soon as possible. If you have not been advised of a cancellation please come in as normal. We are continuing to monitor the situation.