Ward closed after vomiting outbreak
An increase in diarrheoa and vomiting among some some patients in a care of the elderly ward in Altnagelvin Hospital has prompted the Western Trust to temporarily close the ward to new admissions.
The outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea has also led to the Trust implementing infection control measures. They are asking that anyone who been feeling unwell themselves to refrain from visiting patients.
Elaine Way, Western Trust Chief Executive said: “D&V is easily spread in closed environments and the decision was taken to close one of the wards as part of infection control measures.”
She continued: “The public has an important role to play by not visiting the hospital if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting. And if someone has been unwell we would advise them to wait until at least 48 hours after they have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting before visiting the hospital.
“Those who are 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 3pm and 4pm and from 7pm until 8.30pm. 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.”
The situation will be kept under review with a view to reopening the ward area affected to patient admissions as soon as is possible.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Derry
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
