Bristol hospitals have closed wards because of stomach bug (From Gazette Series)

Bristol hospitals have closed wards because of stomach bug

9:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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WARDS at Frenchay and Southmead Hospitals have had to be closed due to an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The North Bristol NHS Trust announced yesterday afternoon, Thursday, March 18 that seven wards had been closed to new admissions and visitors.

Health bosses said the decision had been taken to protect patients, visitors and staff from further spread of the bug.

In exceptional cases, where relatives are extremely unwell, visiting on affected wards may still be allowed at the discretion of the sister-in-charge.

Marie-Noelle Orzel, director of nursing, said: "Although not serious to anyone in good health, the bug is very unpleasant and can be a problem for the very young and very elderly, and anyone who already has a serious medical condition. "The illness is spread very easily through contact with anyone who already has diarrhoea and vomiting. It can affect anyone, staff, patients and visitors. It can be transmitted anywhere, in the local community, at home, or at the hospital."

North Bristol NHS Trust is also asking people to avoid visiting wards that are still open if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours.

Visitors are asked to phone ahead before coming to the hospital and speak to the ward they want to visit to find out if it is open and to get further advice. The number to ring is 0117 9701212.

Anyone due to go into hospital for an operation or appointment and have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should phone ahead to let nursing staff know and to get further advice.