A ward has been closed to admissions and visitors asked not to visit patients if they have been feeling well themselves following an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
Altnagelvin Hospital.
The move follows an increase in vomiting and diarrhoea among patients in Ward 8, which treats head and neck patients.
To date, four patients and two staff have experienced such symptoms.
As an infection prevention and control measure, the ward is currently closed to admissions.
Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services at the Western Trust said the public had an “important role” to play by not visiting the hospital if they were feeling unwell, particularly if they have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
She added: “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 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.
Visitors are asked to limit visiting to the designated times of between 3.00pm and 4.00pm and from 7.00pm until 8.30pm.
Ms McKay added: “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.
Tags: