North Somerset CCG - Norovirus & Gastroenteritis affecting many North Somerset inpatients beds

Otherwise known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, Norovirus is highly infectious and easily passed from person to person. Sick and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to it and people are urged to ensure that they don’t spread the illness in schools, hospitals and any public setting by observing the public health advice concerning hand washing and general hygeine.

At this time of high levels of norovirus, there is an additional risk from people visiting hospitals. As a result Weston General Hospital has introduced restricted visiting hours to: 2-3pm and 6-7pm.

Other restrictions include a maximum of two adults per visit and no children under 12 years of age. You should not visit the hospital if you, your children, family and friends have had symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea in the last 72 hours.

The in-patient wards of Clevedon Community Hospital have also been affected and visiting is restricted to an hour in the afternoon and an hour in the evening. Hospital administrators are also requesting that:

• Children under 12 do not visit without the express permission of the nurse in charge.
• You do not come to the hospital if you are feeling unwell with sickness, diarrhoea, fever, sore throat or flu in the last 48 hours
• While in the hospital maintain good hand hygiene. Clean hands with soap and water.
• If in doubt please call the hospital on: 01275 872212 

Whether or not you have friends or relatives currently in either hospital you can play your part in keeping norovirus and gastroenteritis under control. Good hand hygiene is important to stop their spread.

Dr Jonathan Roberts Consultant in Public Health said “noroviruses spread easily and can survive on surfaces for some time. People are advised to make sure they wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water and dry them, after using the toilet and before preparing food and eating. Do not rely on alcohol gels as these do not kill the virus as well as soap and water.” 

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• An infection with norovirus is self-limiting and most people will make a full recovery in 1-2 days. It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.
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• Do not visit A&E or GPs with norovirus symptoms as this may spread the virus.

Liam Williams Chief Nursing Officer at North Somerset CCG added:

“Elderly people are particular vulnerable to the illness and  with Mothering Sunday this weekend, parents are urged not to take children on care home or nursing home visits if they or their children have experienced any symptoms such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

“We each have a responsibility to care for ourselves and our loved ones and we can each play our part in protecting our friends and relatives from Norovirus and gastroenteritis and helping the NHS wards affected by these illnesses eliminate them as quickly as possible.”