Vomiting anddiarrhoea breaks out in hospital ward

The Western Trust is asking people not to visit friends and relatives in the hospital if they are feeling unwell themselves.

The Trust is asking for the cooperation of the public with increased infection control measures.

An increase in vomiting and diarrhoea has been experienced among patients in Ward 43 Altnagelvin Hospital and as an infection prevention and control measure, admission to the ward has been restricted to high priority patients only.

The Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control team is continuing to provide advice and increased infection control measures have been taken.

Geraldine Hillick, Western Trust Director of Acute Services said: “There are two patients affected currently and no staff. No new patients are experiencing symptoms as of today (Thursday, October 11).

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 the ward affected returning to normal as soon as is possible. No other area of the hospital is affected, including any appointments being cancelled.