www.norovirus.nl Causes around 50% of all gastroenteritis

Portman, Exmoor and Sedgemoor wards are currently closed to new admissions due to Norovirus.

Responsible Visiting – How you can help keep Musgrove free of Norovirus (winter vomiting)

Keeping our patients safe from infection is a priority at Musgrove Park Hospital and we have robust procedures in place when dealing with outbreaks of Norovirus.

As soon as Norovirus is suspected the ward is closed to new admissions and transfers are stopped to help reduce the risk of spread. Staff members permanently based on wards with infected patients are not allowed to work on other wards. Infected wards are not re-opened until there have been no patient with symptoms for 72 hours. Before re-opening to new admissions, the ward and equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

As a visitor you can also help us to prevent the spread of infections, like Norovirus, to patients by:

• Not visiting the hospital if you, or anyone you have been in contact with, have had any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days . Stomach bugs that cause diarrhoea and vomiting such as Norovirus are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through schools, colleges and hospitals.
• Using the hand gel at the entrance to the ward and again on leaving. Rub the gel into your hands until it fully evaporates ( approximately 30 seconds) without forgetting fingernails, thumbs between fingers and wrists.

If you visit more than one patient please clean your hands in between visits too. If you visit the hospital when you are unwell you run the risk of passing harmful bugs on to patients who are already vulnerable. Please help us to look after your loved ones by being a ‘responsible visitor’ of Musgrove Park Hospital.

If you are worried about your own symptoms, please contact your GP or NHS Direct.

Source article.