Gastro cases close Ward 26 to admissions

26/03/2009 | Norovirus in Ward 26

Ward 26 at Palmerston North Hospital was closed yesterday (Wed) to patient admissions and transfers following an outbreak of Gastroenteritis, presumed to be Norovirus. This currently affects six patients and one staff member.

It follows another separate, and as yet unlinked, outbreak in the Services for Treatment, Assessment and Rehabilitation (STAR) Centre last week in which a total of 23 patients and 26 staff were affected.

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. Novovirus is common in our community.

The hospital is asking visitors to Ward 26 to only visit if really necessary. Visitors and staff are reminded that personal hygiene is the best way to stop transmission. Hand washing with soap and water, followed by effective drying is required, and at frequent intervals the use of antiseptic hand rub is important.

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.

In the meantime, because of fewer available beds, in an already full hospital, unfortunately some elective surgery planned for Thursday has been postponed, and staff will review the situation over coming days.

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