"Stay Away Unless Absolutely Essential", UK Hospital Urges People

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Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Public Health;  MRSA / Drug Resistance
Article Date: 06 Jan 2012 - 9:00 PST

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In order to help stop sickness bugs spreading this winter, staff at Southampton's teaching hospitals are advising members of the general public to avoid the hospitals unless their visit is "absolutely essential."

Currently, seven wards are not taking in new patients at Southampton General Hospital in order to prevent gastroenteritis viruses from spreading - resulting in a loss of 30 beds. With vomiting and diarrhea cases increasing in the community, bosses are worried it could make the situation worse.

In addition to the closure of seven wards, other preventative measures include restrictions on transferring patients and both clinical and non-clinical staff to other clinical areas unless essential for patient care.

Dr. Graeme Jones, director of the infection prevention unit at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, explained:

"We are currently dealing with an intense buildup of pressure following a number of wards being affected in the past two days and are requesting that visitors and members of the public help to limit transmission of viruses to vulnerable patients and to staff caring for them.

While we are working hard to contain the spread of infection within hospital, the national picture suggests the situation is going to worsen in the community over the coming days and that could have a major impact on any progress we make now, so we are asking people to stay away unless their visit is absolutely essential."

Members of staff with symptoms are being told not to attend work until they have been symptom-free for two days, while families are asked to make sure children of school-age do not visit the hospitals at all due to their increased risk of transmitting infection.

Members of the public are advised to check with the relevant wards and departments before visiting Southampton General, the Princess Anne Hospital or hospice Countess Mountbatten House, as any visits are at the discretion of staff in each individual area.

Dr. Jones said:

"We are looking to limit visits from everyone, but those who do need to make essential visits should be clear that, if they have been unwell or suffered sickness or diarrhea in the last 72 hours, they need to have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours before contemplating coming in."

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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