SOMERSET NEWS: Beating vomiting bug at Musgrove

MUSGROVE Park Hospital in Taunton is asking for the public’s help in reducing the risk of hospital outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

Although the hospital currently has no outbreaks of norovirus it can very quickly be brought in by people who have had the illness out in the community, and once a person in the hospital is affected it can very quickly spread to other patients.

That is why the hospital is asking everyone coming to Musgrove Park Hospital to make it their responsibility to ensure they do not bring any illnesses in with them, and that they follow good hand hygiene processes when they are here.

Musgrove’s medical director, Colin Close said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and very nasty for those who get it. It spreads very quickly and so we are asking all members of the public to think carefully before coming to Musgrove if they have been unwell.

“Norovirus circulates in the community during the winter months and it only takes one person to bring the infection in to the hospital for it to quickly spread to other patients. This means that wards can be closed due to outbreaks and visiting restrictions put in place.

“We know we may not be able to prevent norovirus from getting in to the hospital this winter, but we are trying to do all we can to limit the risk and are asking you to help us. We’re also keeping our website, www.musgroveparkhospital.nhs.uk and phone lines updated with the latest information for patients and visitors.”

How the public can help keep Musgrove free of norovirus (winter vomiting):

· Please do not visit the hospital if you have had any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the last two days.

· If visiting in the hospital please clean your hands with the use the alcohol gel at the entrance to the ward or department

· We know that schools and nurseries can often be affected with norovirus we therefore ask at this time that children aged 11 and under (except on the Children's and Maternity wards) should not visit patients in the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

· Visiting on wards affected with norovirus is restricted to close family and friends only. Information on any wards affected is available on the trust website. If you do visit wards where there is norovirus your hands must be washed with soap and water before you leave the ward you leave.

· Please note that alcohol gel alone is not effective against Norovirus.

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