Ward 29 now open to visitors

21/07/2009 | Ward 29 reopens to visitors

Ward 29 at Palmerston North Hospital, which has been closed due to gastroenteritis thought to be Norovirus, is now reopened to visitors. Strict visiting hours, between 2pm and 8pm, continue, and the community is asked to limit visiting to close family and friends only. Please do not visit patients if you have gastroenteritis or flu like symptoms.
Hospital staff are continuing to be vigilant about hand washing and infection control precautions and your assistance, by washing your hands regularly, using the hand rub stations throughout the hospital and wards, is greatly appreciated.

Noroviruses are highly infectious and can be spread through the air (through airborne vomit and faeces), or through 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.

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.

MidCentral Health appreciates how difficult this situation can be for visitors and patients and is very grateful for the ongoing support of our community.