Hospital visiting restricted to minimise spread of gastro

11/06/2009 | Hospital visiting restricted to minimise gastro spread 

Visitors are asked to assist with minimising the spread of a new outbreak of gastroenteritis, presumed to be Norovirus, in Palmerston North Hospital. Thirteen patients and 11 staff have been affected this week.

Noroviruses are highly infectious and routes of infection can include: transmission through the air (spread through aersolised vomit and faeces), close contact with those infected, and the environment. It can also be introduced by others, such as food handlers, cleaners, other staff, new residents or short-term visitors to an institution. Norovirus is common in our community.

The precautions involve restricting visiting patients and washing hands before and after visiting, to lessen the risk of bringing further gastro infections into the hospital or spreading the infection between areas within the hospital. The hospital is asking visitors to only visit if really necessary and to restrict their visits to Visiting Hours which are 2pm to 8pm. A drop off and collection point for patient property is available at the entrance to wards.

Hand washing stations are placed at the front entrance, outside wards and at other places within the hospital. Visitors are asked to use these when entering and leaving.
Visitors who have had any recent sickness, like vomiting and/or diarrhoea, should not visit anyone, especially in hospitals, rest homes and similar institutions, until 48 hours after they have been cleared of any such illness.

Emergency Department patients and those with hospital clinic appointments should continue to access these services.

CONTACT:
Communications Unit: (06) 350-8945.