Maidstone Hospital visitors urged to stay away after norovirus outbreak
Visitors to a Kent hospital are being urged to stay away after
an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug norovirus.
Three hospital wards at Maidstone Hospital are closed to
admissions today - with 27 patients already admitted with the
virus.
A spokesman for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS
Trust said only those whose visits are thought to be urgent
or in exceptional circumstances should think of
contacting wards.
At Tunbridge Wells Hospital visitors are being asked to reduce
infection risks by only visiting patients if absolutely
necessary.
Dr Sara Mumford, director of infection prevention and control at
the trust, said: “Visiting at Maidstone Hospital has been
temporarily stopped following cases of Norovirus.
Hygiene is important to
prevent norovirus
"We realise that this might be difficult for some people who
want to visit family and friends, but we are very grateful for
everyone’s co-operation and understanding at this time.
“Norovirus is a particular problem for hospitals because we are
looking after already unwell people who may have reduced immunity
and are susceptible to infection.“
She said hospital staff would review the situation daily, and
let people know when normal visiting hours can re-start.
When that happens they advise anyone feeling unwell with
sickness or diarrhoea to be clear of any symptoms for 48 hours
before visiting relatives.
Do you know anyone suffering from norovirus, or who has a
relative in Maidstone Hospital? Contact us at multimediadesk@thekmroup.co.uk
14/12/12
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