Norovirus outbreak forces ward closure

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) has asked for the ongoing cooperation of the public with increased infection control measures after an increase in vomiting and diarrhoea was experienced among patients in care of older people wards in Altnagelvin Hospital.

Norovirus, a vomiting virus, has been confirmed in a number of patients. Ward 20 has been temporarily closed to new admissions. Norovirus is common in the community at this time of year and it is a short-term, unpleasant illness, with most people getting better within a few days.

People are asked not to visit Altnagelvin Hospital if they have been feeling unwell and, if visiting, to cooperate with the clinical staff by respecting visiting times and visiting restrictions in place to assist in reducing infection.

Dr Anne Kilgallen, Western Trust Medical Director, said: “The Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control team is continuing to provide advice and increased infection control measures have been taken including increased cleaning.

“The public has an important role to play by not visiting the hospital if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting. And if someone has been unwell we would advise them to wait until at least 48 hours after they have been ill before visiting the hospital.

“Visitors are asked to limit visiting to the designated times of between 3pm and 4pm and from 7pm until 8.30pm. They should only visit the one patient whilst at the hospital and they should not move from ward to ward when visiting.

“Those who are visiting are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting.

“I would ask relatives and friends of patients in hospital for understanding and for their cooperation with the nursing staff with the arrangements which have been put in place.”

The situation will be kept under review with a view to reopening the ward area affected to patient admissions.