15.04.13

As a precautionary measure members of the public are being asked not to visit relatives and friends on Ward 8A  at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital over the weekend to assist in controlling the spread of a Diarrhoea & Vomiting illness (D&V).

The D&V illness is usually over within 48 hrs for each affected patient, but is highly infectious, which is why the Trust needs to limit the number of people moving in and out of the affected wards.

Exceptions can be made for relatives hoping to visit on compassionate grounds. These visitors are being asked to speak to a member of ward staff on entering the ward.

The visiting restrictions will be reviewed every day and lifted as soon as possible.

Eric Gatling, Director of Service Delivery, said: “This is a precautionary measure and good infection control practice to protect patients and control the spread of the illness.

“I hope that families and friends will understand why we are asking them not to visit for this short period. We hope to be in a position to re-introduce visiting on this ward in a matter of days and we would strongly urge people to take notice and act on the Combat Norovirus campaign messages which have got a high profile presence on posters, large banners and signs at both main hospitals.

“By doing this, the public can help us stop the spread of Norovirus, protect vulnerable patients and support NHS services.”

A major campaign to stop the spread of Norovirus, protect vulnerable patients and support NHS services this Winter has been launched. Advice on how to cope with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms is available through our Combat Norovirus campaign pages.