Gastro Outbreak – Tauranga Hospital

Media Release

Gastro Outbreak – Tauranga Hospital

“The Tauranga Hospital is currently experiencing an outbreak of gastroenteritis in both patients and staff. This outbreak is thought to be part of a nationwide outbreak of novovirus gastroenteritis. Two wards have been closed to new admissions and discharges and transfers from these wards are being restricted to prevent outbreaks in rest homes and other hospitals and to limit the outbreak within the hospital.

The public are reminded that norovirus is highly infectious, but control is best achieved by strict hand washing after using a toilet. Family are asked to avoid visiting the hospital if any of their immediate members have gastroenteritis.” said Brian Dwyer, Infectious Disease Physician, BOPDHB.

The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemaker, has requested that any rest homes with gastroenteritis advise the hospital prior to sending any patients to the hospital for admission.

Patients scheduled for elective surgery next week have been advised that decisions regarding whether their surgery can proceed, will be made early next week.

ENDS

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