19 February 2009
Press Release 19th February 2009
There has been an increased incidence of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community which has been reflected in two of the wards in the General Hospital.
To ensure containment of the infection, which has been identified to be Norovirus, Corbiere and Beauport Ward at the General Hospital have been closed to admissions and visiting restricted.
The situation this morning is that a total of ten patients across the two wards are affected. Two staff 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 on both wards 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.
As always good standards of personal hygiene are important with particular attention to hand washing.
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Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact Julie Le Masurier, Tel: 442000
gov.je