Gastroenteritis Update from MidCentral Health – 29 June

29/06/2009 | Gastroenteritis Update – 29 June

The measures in place to manage the norovirus outbreak at Palmerston North Hospital are to continue this week. Currently 27 patients have gastro symptoms and 5 further staff have reported symptoms since last Friday.

MidCentral Health continues to work to contain the highly contagious stomach bug and to prevent its spread to patients, and back into the community, and appeals to the public for their support and assistance.

Dr Mark Beale, Clinical Director of Medical Services, says: “Due to the ongoing occurrence of gastroenteritis cases we must continue with strong measures to protect the community and patients from further spread. We understand that people want to be near their family members and friends while in hospital however for the patients’ and families’ well being it is important that we continue with these measures for the short term.”

Visiting restrictions remain in all medical and surgical wards.  Visiting is limited to seriously ill patients only.  Patient property can be dropped off or collected at the reception desk by the main entrance to the hospital and hospital staff are doing their utmost to ensure patients and their families and friends can keep in touch.

Visiting to Intensive Care Unit, Child Health, Women’s Health, and Mental Health wards continues as usual.

The hospital asks that all visitors come through the Ruahine Street entrance where the reception staff will direct visitors appropriately. All visitors will be asked to wash their hands at the hand hygiene stations at the entrance, and as they come across them around the hospital.Urgent and acute surgery will continue.  However, some non-acute surgery continues to be postponed.

Emergency Department patients and those with hospital clinic appointments can continue to access these services.
Any person uncertain whether to visit the hospital should ring Central Enquiries on (06) 350 8770.

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