Shropshire hospitals in norovirus warning
People planning to visit hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Shropshire are being asked to stay away if they have experienced any of the symptoms of norovirus recently.
Sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, it is the most common stomach bug in the UK.
It is highly contagious and can affect people of all ages.
The number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting recorded normally increases at this time of year and it is particularly important that people help to prevent the spread of these illnesses, especially to vulnerable patients.
Dr Patricia O'Neill, consultant microbiologist and director for infection prevention and control at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "This is a good time to remind people of our normal seasonal message for all hospital visitors – please follow the 48-hour rule.
"Do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the last 48 hours.
"If you are unsure whether to visit, please feel free to contact the ward nurse before you come into hospital."
Sue Sayles, infection prevention and control nurse at the orthopaedic hospital in Oswestry, said: "We would ask that all our patients and visitors help us to keep norovirus at bay.
Diarrhoea and vomiting outbreaks can result in ward closure."
Rachael Allen, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust's head of infection prevention and control, said: "Protecting vulnerable patients and hospital staff is really important, whether this is in the county's main hospitals or in the four community hospitals in Ludlow, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth or Bishop's Castle."
She added that good hand hygiene can help limit the spread of the infection. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food or eating.
If you're in an NHS facility, pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and leaving a ward.
