08/03/10

Diarrhoea & Vomiting illness (D&V) is widespread across the community at this time and whilst it can have relatively mild symptoms and is usually over within 48 hrs, it is highly infectious, which is why the Trust needs to continue to limit the number of people moving in and out of our hospital wards at this time.

The precautionary measure of restricting visitors over the last two weeks is already paying off, however in order to prevent further outbreaks at this critical time, members of the public are being asked not to visit relatives and friends at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals for one more week.

The exception to the restricted visiting is anyone who is visiting on compassionate grounds.  These visitors are being asked to please speak to a member of ward staff on entering the ward. Visiting to maternity wards is not affected. Visiting to children’s wards is restricted to parents/ carers.

Dr Jim Stone, Director of Infection Prevention and Control said: “We would like to thank our patients and their visitors for their continued understanding and patience, but urge them to help us to protect our patients and control the spread of the illness by refraining from visiting for this short time.”

The visiting restrictions will continue throughout this week and will be reviewed again on Friday.

The general advice to anyone suffering D&V at home is to keep hydrated and maintain high standards of personal hygiene and hand washing. NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 46 47.

Patients who are unwell with D&V are asked not to attend Hospital Emergency Departments.