Visiting restrictions have been introduced at both the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital due to the presence of the sickness and diarrhoea bug norovirus.
The incidence of norovirus has increased in the community and this can spread where people are grouped in a close environment, such as hospitals and schools. Both hospital trusts are working hard to reduce the spread of the virus to avoid disruption to patient care.
Those wishing to visit a patient in either hospital are advised to ring the ward in advance to discuss with the ward sister or charge nurse.
Paula Shobbrook, Director of Nursing at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said: “While we regret the inconvenience and upset that restrictions on visiting can cause friends and relatives, this is absolutely essential to ensure the virus does not spread to other parts of our hospitals.
“The safety of our patients is paramount and the cooperation of members of the public in helping this is appreciated.”
Tracey Nutter, Director of Nursing at Poole Hospital, added: “We are following strict infection control procedures and staff are working extremely hard to ensure no further spread of the virus. We will review the situation regularly.”
The advice to all visitors to the hospitals is:
- only visit if it is essential
- please wash your hands with soap and water before visiting wards and use the hand gel provided
- DO NOT visit hospital at all if you, or any members of your household, have had any kind of sickness and/or diarrhoea in the past 72 hours – even if you think it may be food poisoning.
- You should be symptom free for 72 hours before coming in
- if you are due to come into hospital for an elective (planned) procedure or operation and have been unwell with any kind of sickness and or diarrhoea please ring the hospital to let us know before you come in
