Hospitals Seek Support in Controlling Norovirus

11.10.07

Hospitals Seek Support in Controlling Norovirus Spread

Anyone with vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea, requiring medical assistance, should phone their GP or After Hours medical centre before visiting them or coming to Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Norovirus has closed two wards at The Princess Margaret Hospital and one at Christchurch Hospital. It is also present in three other wards at Christchurch Hospital and one ward at Burwood Hospital.

“Its effect on staff and patients is one of the factors that has contributed to Christchurch Hospital being in red gridlock today with significant patient delays,” Medical and Surgical Services General Manager Mark Leggett said.

“Norovirus is prevalent again in the community at the moment and we have had a number of people coming into the Emergency Department with diarrhoea and vomiting. To prevent it spreading to our already sick patients, we need the public to help us by seeking any help that they require for stomach bug symptoms and non urgent illnesses/injuries through their General Practice. Hospital admissions are uncommon for stomach bugs,” he said.

As always, visitors should stay away from hospitals if they have had diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours or been with people who have had diarrhoea and vomiting.

Children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions are advised not to visit wards where norovirus is present, unless essential. Anyone visiting affected wards should expect to be asked to take simple precautions and follow hospital advice to protect themselves and others.

Norovirus causes stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is prevalent in the community at this time of year, along with other gastrointestinal bugs. The virus spreads extremely easily, requiring a mere one to ten viral particles to infect someone. It is also very hardy and can survive for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.

Thorough handwashing is one of the most effective things people can do to avoid contracting norovirus and other bugs. If you do have a stomach bug, remember to drink small amounts of fluid often and advise a friend, family member or neighbour that you are unwell, so that they can seek medical advice if needed.

“Norovirus is a common ailment, but we take it very seriously because of the effect it can have on people who are already sick,” Canterbury District Health Board Chief Medical Officer Nigel Millar said.

CDHB staff are working hard to take all possible measures to protect patients from this current outbreak of norovirus.

ENDS

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