Are You Well Enough To Visit Sick Patients In Hospital? North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Asks, UK

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Article Date: 28 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust is asking visitors to the hospitals to consider whether they are well enough to visit sick patients this winter in a bid to reduce the risk of the spread of common bugs including Norovirus.

Each year up to one million people across the country are affected by Norovirus (sometimes called "winter vomiting virus"). It is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales and can affect people of any age. It is very contagious as it is spread from person-to-person and through food and water. It can spread quickly in a hospital environment if bought in by unsuspecting visitors.

Whilst Norovirus is an unpleasant experience, the infection tends to only last between 12 and 60 hours and most healthy people will just need to drink plenty of fluids and rest up. However, the illness can have a worse effect on patients in hospital by making them weak and dehydrated and interfering with the effectiveness of the medicines they are taking.

Many hospitals and GP practices around the country have reported a major rise in cases in the last few weeks. So far, Warrington and Halton Hospitals have seen a number of cases which led to them restricting visiting to some wards at times last week. They are asking visitors to be vigilant if they have not been well and have relatives in hospital.

Staff are asking visitors to the hospital to follow three simple steps in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading the bug among patients:

1. Do not visit hospital if you feel unwell. If you, your family or close work colleagues have experienced vomiting and diarrhoea in the last 72 hours please contact the ward for advice before visiting. If you have an outpatient appointment but are unwell, ring and tell us and we can rearrange it for you.

2. Always wash your hands with soap & hot water and/or use hygiene hand rub when entering and leaving the ward.

3. Do not sit on the patient's bed. If you intend to visit your friend or relative please do not sit on their bed or the patient's chair. Visitors' chairs are provided - please ask the nurse if you need more.

"In Winter, stomach bugs like Norovirus are very difficult to control because they spread so quickly and easily from person to person and are very common out in the community," said Kath Holbourn, Director of Nursing and Governance at the hospitals, "Staff have been asked to be extra vigilant and ensure they properly wash their hands between patients and we are now asking visitors to help us too by following these simple steps.

"What we would like people to think about is whether they or anyone close to them such as family, friends or colleagues has had diarrhoea, vomiting or fever within the last 72 hours. If this is the case then they should avoid visiting the hospital and use alternative methods of contact to speak to the patient such as the hospital's bedside telephone system. If they really feel they can't postpone their visit they should contact the ward for advice prior to coming to the hospital."

North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust