Visiting restricted at Wycombe Hospital over bug (From Bucks Free Press)

Visiting restricted at Wycombe Hospital over bug

6:35pm Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in

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VISITING is being restricted at all wards at Wycombe Hospital after an outbreak of ‘winter vomiting disease’.

Visiting is being restricted on a case-by-case basis said Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

A statement to The Bucks Free Press: “We can confirm that we are currently experiencing cases of norovirus in our hospitals and we have restricted visiting in those areas affected.

“We do always try to contact a patient’s next of kin to inform them in advance of any restrictions, but would encourage people to check before visiting.

“Due to the proximity of our wards at Wycombe, we will be from today restricting visiting to all wards on this site.

“Whilst we appreciate that this is difficult, it is important that we protect patients and reduce the risk of infection spreading between areas.

“Patient safety is our priority, which is why we are taking these precautions.

“We ask that people help us and do not visit unless necessary - visiting requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, please contact the relevant ward directly to discuss.

“Stoke Mandeville and Amersham hospitals will have restrictions in place for affected areas only.”

Sandra Gilliams, 59, said she was infuriated by the lack of information from the trust after being told she could not visit her husband Hugh, 59, in for a knee operation.

She said she could not find information no the trust’s website.

The Weston Turville resident said: “I am absolutely appalled, completely appalled. I just find the whole situation disgraceful.”

Mr Gilliams had previously had his leg amputated above the knee when an infection set in from the same operation. He is now having knee surgery on his other leg.

Mrs Gilliams said: “It is very difficult for all of us.”

The trust said general advice that visiting may be restricted has been on the website for a month. A new statement was added to its front page this evening.

The trust issued the following guidance on visiting:

Norovirus is also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ and is commonplace within the community at this time of year.

Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting and can be passed from person to person.

If you're visiting our hospitals please help us to reduce the risk of norovirus infections by ensuring you stay away if you have had these symptoms in the last 48 hours, or have been in contact with someone who has.

Visitors can also help by ensuring they wash their hands well with warm soapy water.

If you are a patient due to come into hospital and have not had these symptoms in the last 48 hours there is no need to change your arrangements.

However, if you have suffered from these symptoms in the last 48 hours please contact the ward or department you are due to visit to rearrange your appointment or inpatient stay, if necessary. Our staff will 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.