VISITORS to the Countess of Chester Hospital have been asked to stay away in a bid to stop the spread of winter vomiting virus.
New measures were introduced after wards at the hospital were closed to new admissions on Tuesday as the 48-hour virus – real name norovirus – spread among staff and patients.
Spokesman Stephen Winterson said: “The Countess has put in place further infection control measures to keep the virus contained.
“To help us protect our patients we have implemented strict infection control measures in three wards used for cardio, gastro and orthopaedics. No visitors are allowed except by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge.
“To further aid infection control measures the hospital is asking visitors to other wards to keep visits to a minimum and only visit when necessary. Children should not be brought in to visit patients.
“Staff at the hospital will be handing out leaflets to inform visitors and patients of these measures.”
The virus forced partial closures in four wards at the hospital over the weekend.
A surgical ward and three medical wards had bays closed as the number of cases of the virus increased.
Recent figures from the Health Protection Agency suggest almost three million people have been affected by and cases in England and Wales have doubled since last year.
The HPA North West is urging people with the virus to avoid taking it into GP surgeries, hospitals and residential care homes.
Consultant in communicable disease control with the HPA Cheshire and Merseyside, Dr Evdokia Dardamissis, said: “The norovirus causes an unpleasant but generally shortlived illness that usually lasts about three days.
“People can feel quite poorly while they are ill, but there is no specific treatment other than rest and lots of drinks to replace lost fluids.
“It is unnecessary for people with a norovirus infection to visit GP surgeries or hospital accident and emergency departments. If symptoms persist, or seem to get worse, patients should phone NHS Direct or ask for a phone consultation with their GP.”
For more details, call NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse-led health information service, on 0845 4647.
