ONE ward at Bedford Hospital has been closed to new admissions and patient transfers due to an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis (norovirus).
Richard Wells Ward has been closed to help stop the potential spread of infection among patients, visitors and members of staff.
Visiting to the affected ward has been restricted to essential visiting only. This means only one visitor per patient per day.
Relatives and friends visiting patients on Richard Wells Ward are advised to telephone ahead to check with ward staff as to visiting arrangements and not to come in if their visit is not essential.
Those visiting all ward areas are reminded to wash their hands with soap and water on entering and leaving and not to visit if they themselves have had a stomach upset within the preceding 72 hours.
Director of Nursing and Patient Services Eiri Jones, said: “Visiting to Richard Wells Ward has been restricted to help stop the possible spread of norovirus infection across the hospital.
“It is vital visitors observe the restrictions, as limiting visiting to affected areas really does help to stop the highly contagious norovirus infection spreading.
“If you do need to visit the hospital, please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before entering and when leaving the ward. Alcohol gel does not kill norovirus germs – but soap and water will remove them.
“Please do not sit on hospital beds when visiting and do not come in if you have been ill within the preceding 72 hours. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Norovirus is extremely contagious and is easily passed through person-to-person contact, unwashed hands, touching surfaces and through virus particles carried in the air.
“If you have had norovirus you will still be infectious for 48 hours afterwards, which is why it is vital you do not visit the hospital during this time.
“We are doing our utmost to prevent norovirus spreading across the hospital, please help us by observing visiting restrictions, not visiting if it’s not essential for you to do so, ensuring you wash your hands with soap and water, not sitting on beds and not coming in if you have been ill yourself. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
For more regular updates please check this website.
Norovirus Information
- Norovirus is a virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be transmitted from person-to-person, by consuming contaminated food or water or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects;
- The symptoms of norovirus infection begin about 12 to 48 hours after infection with the virus;
- Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea following by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. You may also have a temperature, aching limbs and a headache;
- Symptoms usually last for 12 to 60 hours, with most people making a full recovery within one to two days;
- If you have norovirus symptoms it is very important to stay well hydrated as sickness and diarrhoea can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water – taking small sips at regular intervals – or take an over-the-counter rehydration remedy;
- If your symptoms have not cleared up in three to four days call NHS Direct on 0845 46 467 for advice or contact your GP surgery;
- If your symptoms become more severe call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice in the first instance.
Source: Bedford Hospital & NHS page.
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