Palmerston North Hospital gastro outbreak over

24/04/2009 | Public: Gastro Over

MidCentral Health has returned to business as usual following the decline of incidence of gastroenteritis in Palmerston North Hospital. Normal access during visiting hours (2pm to 8pm) to the hospital wards has resumed this morning.

We would like to thank the public for their cooperation in helping to contain the outbreak. The staff appreciates their assistance in following increased infection control measures, particularly around patient visiting.

MidCentral Health is grateful to the staff who have worked extremely hard to maintain as near to normal service as possible, with the least disruption being generated for their patients. We regret any distress caused to patients and their families during the outbreak.

Gastroenteritis remains in the community and we reiterate the importance of hand hygiene to minimise the spread of infection. If your household has diarrhoea and/or vomiting avoid contact with others, and avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, residential and educational facilities.

CONTACT: Communications Unit: (06)350-8945