Two wards closed by vomiting and diarrhoea
An outbreak of increased vomiting and diarrhoea among patients has resulted in ward closures at Altnagelvin and the Waterside Hospital, Gransha.
This Western Trust has asked visitors to avoid the hospitals if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they have been experiencing similar symptoms.
A spokesperson said the outbreaks “would appear to be consistent with an increase in incidence in the community”.
“Those who are visiting are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting. Visitors should visit only one patient whilst at the hospital, refrain from sitting on hospital beds and not move from ward to ward when visiting,” the Trust said.
The spokesperson continued: “Norovirus has been confirmed has the cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in one of these wards. Norovirus is otherwise known as the winter vomiting virus, it is a unpleasant yet common illness. Symptoms are usually of short duration.”
“Ward 42 at Altnagelvin Hospital and Ward 3 at Waterside Hospital has been temporarily closed to new admissions. Ward 3 at Altnagelvin Hospital has some bed closures.
“The Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control team is continuing to provide advice to staff and increased infection control measures have been put in place.”