Norovirus: hopital visiting restrictions now in place (From Bucks Free Press)

Norovirus: hopital visiting restrictions now in place

3:47pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Neil Phillips

VISITING restrictions are in place at Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville hospitals as health services warn the norovirus ‘winter vomiting bug’ has again hit certain wards.

Visiting will be restricted in areas experiencing norovirus, including the main tower block at Wycombe Hospital, which will only allow visiting in exceptional circumstances.

The hospitals will try to contact a patient’s next of kin to inform them of any restrictions in advance, but they ask people to check before visiting by calling the appropriate ward. Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting and the bug can be passed from person to person.

Anyone who has experienced these symptoms within the last 48 hours of a planned hospital visit, or who has been in contact with someone who has, is asked to stay away.

Visitors can also help by ensuring they wash their hands well with soap and water.

If you are a patient due to come into hospital and have not had these symptoms in the last 48 hours there should be no need to change your arrangements. However, if you have suffered from these symptoms within that time, please contact the ward or department you are due to attend to rearrange your appointment or inpatient stay, if necessary. Hospital staff will be available to advise you.

Medical advice for those with norovirus is to rest at home, avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and eat foods such as rice, soup, pasta or bread, which are easy to digest.

For general advice on norovirus from NHS Direct go to: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Norovirus