Sickness outbreak - Dr Gray's Hospital

Published: 04/12/2024 15:56
Non-essential visiting at Dr Gray’s Hospital remains suspended, following an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting. 
 
The following are examples of where an essential visit will be supported: 
  • When someone is reaching the end of their life 
  • If someone has dementia/ delirium and needs family support 
  • Support for someone with a learning disability 
  • A family member who has caring responsibilities 
  • Parents of a child in hospital 
  • Support during pregnancy and childbirth, including outpatient appointments, ante-natal and post-natal care 
  • Situations where someone is receiving life-changing information 
  • Those with acquired communication difficulties, e.g. stroke, aphasia, learning difficulties, or non diagnosed LD with communication challenges
Any essential visitor, or anyone with a planned appointment, should not attend if they have any symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. This applies not only to Dr Gray’s Hospital, but to any hospital or care setting. These illnesses are extremely contagious and can have a serious impact on people with lowered immune systems. In addition, please observe any notices advising areas or thoroughfares are closed. 
 
Helen Chisholm, lead nurse at Dr Gray’s Hospital, said: “I know how much patients and their friends and relatives value hospital visits. The current restrictions on visiting are for the safety of all involved. Our ward teams are doing their utmost to support virtual visiting, and we will return to our usual visiting arrangements as soon as we can. 
 
“I want to thank the public for their cooperation and understanding. I also want to praise all the teams working in the hospital for the incredible amount of work they are doing to maintain patient care, as we manage this situation.” 
 
Professor Duff Bruce, medical director at Dr Gray’s Hospital added: “Norovirus, and similar illnesses, are very common, especially at this time of year. While unpleasant, most people will recover within a few days. Anyone suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting should stay at home, and only return to work, school, or college when they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.  
 
“Alcohol hand gels aren’t effective against norovirus. Thorough handwashing with water and soap, along with regular cleaning of hard surfaces in the home with disinfectant, will aid prevention. If you, or someone in your home, is unwell, do not share flannels or towels with them. Contaminated bedding should be washed separately, on a hot cycle, to kill off the virus. 
 
“There is no treatment for norovirus and antibiotics will not work. You should drink more than usual to replace lost fluids and get as much rest as possible. There’s more advice on the NHS Inform website, just search ‘norovirus’.”