24 October 2008
Press Release 24th October 2008
There has been an increased incidence of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community which has been reflected in one of the wards in the General Hospital.
To ensure containment of the infection, which has been identified to be Norovirus, Corbiere Ward at the General Hospital has been closed to admissions and visiting restricted.
The situation this morning is that six patients are affected and three nursing staff in total have also been affected.
Increased environmental cleaning has started and this will be on a daily basis.
Staff movement has also been restricted with essential staff only to have access to the affected ward.
We wish to assure members of the public that clinical management of the patients of Corbiere Ward will not be compromised at this time.
The situation will be reviewed by hospital senior management on a daily basis.
Members of the public are asked not to visit the hospital if they have symptoms which include diarrhoea with or without nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain and/or fever. Should you develop these symptoms you are advised to visit your GP.
The single most effective way to prevent spread is with handwashing, using soap and water.
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