The Royal Devon & Exeter hospital (Wonford) is currently experiencing a high incidence of the diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus.
The Royal Devon & Exeter hospital (Wonford) is currently experiencing a high incidence of the diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus.
As part of its infection control response to this illness, which is currently widespread in the general community, the RD&E has closed affected wards to visitors and new patient admissions.
Visiting will only be allowed to closed wards in exceptional circumstances and if agreed in advance with the matron or nurse in charge.
Chief Operating Officer Elaine Hobson said: "We do not take lightly our decision to close wards to visitors because we understand the benefits of visiting for the welfare and recovery of our patients but infection control is our priority for everyone.
"In recent days we have seen a significant increase in the number of affected wards from a handful on Friday 12 March to a dozen today (March 15). By its nature this bug spreads very easily and someone can come into the hospital without the symptoms and pass it on to others. The visitor restriction is part of a package of measures we put in place to resume at the earliest practical opportunity business as usual."
The hospital's advice is:
Call the ward first to check whether you will be allowed to visit
Avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital, particularly young children and babies
Do not come into a hospital if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea and/vomiting in the last 48 hours or you have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms.
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