NHS Infection Control Continues
Written by admin on April 29, 2013
Full infection control measures at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary continue to be implemented by NHS Dumfries and Galloway, with regard to the Norovirus or ‘vomiting bug’.
A total of 32 patients and 10 members of staff have reported symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, clinically consistent with Norovirus infection.
Ward 9 remains closed to new admissions and transfers and closed to routine visiting. Ward 7 is accepting admissions and transfers and is now open to routine visiting.
According to Infection Control Manager, Elaine Ross, Norovirus is currently circulating in our local communities and what we are seeing in our hospitals is a reflection of what is happening out there in the community and in hospitals elsewhere in Scotland.
“Our staff are working hard to deal with the outbreak and it hasn’t interrupted our service delivery, although there have been visiting restrictions. However we are not complacent and it is important that we all play our part in minimising the spread of the bug as far as we can through good hygiene and in adhering to the appropriate infection control measures,” Ms Ross said.
“We are aware that the virus exists in the community we stress the importance of not visiting if any member of the public or their families have or are showing symptoms of the illness. We are grateful for the patients and public’s understanding and cooperation during what can be a difficult and stressful situation.”
Advice to members of the public wishing to visit the closed wards is as follows:
- Routine visiting to the closed wards 7 & 9 remains suspended meantime and members of the public seeking to visit relatives and friends in hospital are advised not to travel whilst outbreak measures are ongoing – to avoid potential for further spread.
- Where circumstances are such that relatives are concerned about the need to visit their loved ones in the affected wards that are asked to contact the ward concerned for advice before coming to the hospital.
- Members of the public visiting other areas of the hospital are asked to comply with the hand hygiene and infection control measures in place – i.e. using the gel dispensers located around the hospital.
- If you have experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting please allow 48 hours since your last symptom before visiting the hospital.
