Hospital-wide visiting restrictions remain in place
Ward visiting at Poole Hospital continues to be suspended as a temporary and precautionary measure as high levels of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, continue to be seen in the community.
The decision to restrict visiting is being reviewed on a daily basis.
The measure will help the hospital to minimise any spread of the illness and support the effective delivery of health services the public expects.
While norovirus does not pose a serious risk of ill health to many, the step will help the hospital to protect our vulnerable patients, as well as ensuring our staff are available for duty.
Non-essential ward visits will continue to be permitted only at the discretion of the nurse or midwife in charge – if you are planning to visit someone at Poole Hospital, or if you are a patient’s only next of kin and they may feel anxious about your absence, please contact the ward by telephone before doing so.
"We are assessing the position each day and will lift restrictions once confident that levels of the illness in the community have fallen,” said Dr Simon Hill, director of infection, prevention and control at the hospital.
"The response from the public to these restrictions has been very encouraging, and we do understand how frustrating it can be not to be near a friend or loved one when they are in hospital.
"The restrictions will remain in place only for as long as absolutely necessary.”
Hospitals are particularly susceptible to norovirus because of the large number of people that attend each day. Increasing levels of the illness, which can easily spread from person to person, are being seen in the local community.
Outpatient clinics, day case and diagnostic services at Poole Hospital continue to be unaffected – however, patients due for an appointment who have had, or been near someone, with diarrhoea or vomiting in the last three days should contact the hospital as soon as possible to discuss their appointment.
The public can stay up-to-date with visiting arrangements at Poole Hospital on this website - www.poole.nhs.uk - or by contacting our switchboard on (01202) 665511
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
If people have symptoms, you are advised to stay away from work, school or college until symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Visit http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/Norovirus/
for more information on norovirus.
Date: 3 January 2012