Vomiting bug rise sparks cancellations

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is asking for the cooperation of the public with increased infection control measures and is asking people not to visit patients in Altnagelvin Hospital if they have been feeling unwell themselves.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Nov 2012, 15:46 BST

An increase in vomiting and diarrhoea has been experienced among patients in an Orthopaedic Ward 8 at Altnagelvin Hospital in recent days and as an infection prevention and control measure, the ward is currently closed to admissions. The Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control team is continuing to provide advice and increased infection control measures have been taken.

The decision has also been taken to cancel elective or planned orthopaedic surgery for Monday 19 November 2012. Emergency orthopaedic surgery will continue as normal.

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Geraldine Hillick, Western Trust Director of Acute Services said: “There are currently seven patients and two staff affected. No new patients or staff are experiencing symptoms as of today.

“The decision to postpone any planned or elective orthopaedic surgery has not been taken lightly. While any cancellation is regrettable the Trust makes such decisions in the best interest of patients. The situation will be kept under review over the weekend and on Monday a decision will be taken whether or not to reopening the ward or restarting elective surgery.

She continued: “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 72 hours after they have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting before visiting the hospital.

“Those who are visiting are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting, for their own protection as well as for the prevention of the spread of infection to patients.

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“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 should not move from ward to ward when visiting.

“We are asking relatives and friends of patients in hospital for their understanding and cooperation with the nursing staff with the arrangements which have been put in place in the interest of patients.”

No other area of the hospital is affected, including any other appointments or services being cancelled.

Related topics:Altnagelvin Hospital