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15 February 2012

Help your hospitals to beat norovirus this half term

This half term University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) is reminding families who have relatives in hospital to avoid visiting the Trust if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours.

Two wards are currently closed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary Old Building (Ward 20 and Ward 23) and as a result the Trust has restricted visiting times in that building to one hour a day between 7-8pm. In addition, only two visitors are allowed per bed with no change of visitors during a visiting session. Restrictions are under constant review.

Christine Perry, director of infection prevention and control at UH Bristol, says:

"We understand that people want to visit family and friends in hospital but we are asking visitors especially those with young children who may be visiting relatives this half term to think again before visiting if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours."

"We do everything we can to prevent and control infection and these restrictions are necessary for us to continue to provide patients with the best possible care."

Dr Hugh Annett, director of public health in Bristol, said: "Norovirus is frequently brought into hospitals from the local community and is easily spread by contact with people suffering diarrhoea and vomiting who may have contaminated the environment. Symptoms appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and can last for up to three days.  The virus can spread just by touching something contaminated - like a door handle."

"The virus is particularly damaging for young people, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly."

Do not visit your GP surgery or local A&E unit with symptoms of norovirus. Norovirus is a 'self-limiting' illness meaning you will recover naturally without treatment.  It is important to drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. lf your symptom persist phone your GP out-of-hours or NHS Direct for advice.

NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day on: 0845 4647.


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