23 February 2012

Visiting times back to normal at Bristol Royal Infirmary Old Building

Visiting times at the Bristol Royal Infirmary Old Building have returned to normal (6.30pm to 8pm) after being restricted to one hour a day due to Norovirus.

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) is reminding people to avoid visiting the Trust if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours. 

Christine Perry, director of infection prevention and control at UH Bristol, says: "Norovirus continues to be prevalent in the community and one ward is closed in the King Edward Building due to Norovirus. So even though we have been able to return to normal visiting hours it is essential that visitors to our hospitals continue to avoid visiting if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours." 

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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