Vomiting disease shuts wards at hospital (From Bury Times)

Vomiting disease shuts wards at hospital

6:40am Thursday 4th March 2010

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FAIRFIELD Hospital bosses have temporarily closed several wards after 13 patients and nine staff were struck down by the winter vomiting bug.

Seven wards have been hit during the past 10 days and five were still affected yesterday by the norovirus outbreak, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. A number of beds have had to be left empty and adult wards affected by the bug outbreak have been partially shut or closed to new admissions.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Rochdale Old Road hospital, is confident wards will re-open soon, but have imposed visitor restrictions in a bid to control the virus.

A spokesman said: “We are asking patients and visitors who have been ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting not to visit hospital, unless necessary, until they are symptom-free for two days. People usually recover fully within three days.

“The picture at Fairfield General Hospital is improving. Five wards are still affected but patients who have been symptomatic of vomiting and diarrhoea are recovering.

“Staff are working very hard to deep clean and re-open wards as quickly as possible. Any closed wards are being cleaned and disinfected twice a day and wards are re-opening gradually “We would like to stress the appearance of norovirus is not unusual at this time of year, with many Hospitals across Greater Manchester being affected.”

The spokesman added: “Norovirus is still very much in the community; it is not a hospital acquired virus as it is caught and brought in from the community. There are a number of nursing homes in the area which are shut at the moment due to the virus.”

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for NHS Bury, said: “It’s not always possible to prevent getting norovirus, but good hygiene can help limit the spread of infection.

“This includes washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food, and disinfecting surfaces or objects that could be contaminated.”

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