Patients, visitors and staff are being thanked for their actions which have helped to nearly eradicate the recent outbreak of norovirus at St Mary’s Hospital.
As a precautionary measure the current visitor restrictions to the hospital will continue over the weekend, until at least Monday, at which point they are due to be reviewed to ensure that this particularly virulent strain of the illness has finally cleared.
As of Friday, only have a couple of ongoing cases of the illness were present at the Newport hospital, although there are aware of further cases in the community. Therefore, the following visiting restrictions continue:
- All visiting to the main hospital (not just to the wards closed to new admissions) is restricted to essential visiting only and a time (not necessarily between 2pm and 3pm) to visit must be agreed with the Ward Manager. Wards should be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard.
- Access to the main hospital for patients and visitors is only via the main entrance. It is therefore better to park closer to the main entrance if you have mobility issues or arrange to be dropped at the main entrance before cars are parked.
- Visitors and patients are asked to ensure they cleanse their hands on entering and leaving the hospitaland entering and leaving clinical areas.
- No more than two visitors per patient
- Children under the age of 16 and elderly or vulnerable adults should not visit unless necessary
- Anyone who has had symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, must not come into the hospital until they have been clear of those symptoms for at least 48 hours
- Patients visiting the Beacon Health Centre and Emergency Department should only be accompanied by one other person if possible.
The Trust would like to stress that day surgery, outpatient appointments or clinics remain unaffected and patients should attend as normal, but need to be aware of the restriction on accessing the main hospital only via the main entrance.
It is vital that anyone who is feeling unwell with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and planning to visit their friend or relative in hospital, nursing or a residential home, stays at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms stop to avoid the spread of infection. Keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids is very important, particularly for the elderly and the very young who are most at risk. If the symptoms persist, telephone NHS 111. Further details of symptoms are available on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk.
Good hand hygiene using soap and water is important during outbreaks of norovirus as it is highly contagious. Thorough cleaning of hard surfaces with a bleach solution, paying particular attention to the toilet and toilet area, will help to reduce the spread of the virus.
