Four wards closed to new admissions

FOUR wards are now closed to new admissions at the James Paget University Hospital following an outbreak of the highly contagious stomach bug, norovirus.

The hospital is currently on black alert status following the outbreak and visitors are asked to be extra vigilant when travelling to the hospital.

Wendy Slaney, medical director at the James Paget, said: “We have had a very busy start to the new year with a high level of emergency admissions.

“Every action is being taken by ourselves and our partners to ensure that we are able to accommodate patients requiring emergency admission and to maintain, as far as practically possible, our urgent surgical admissions. We are managing our position very closely with the situation under constant review.”

Norovirus, more commonly known as the winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug, is very infectious and can spread quickly through any close contact.

People who have recently suffered symptoms or been in close contact of someone suffering diarrhoea or vomiting are asked to stay away from the hospital.

“We are also asking all visitors to wash their hands with soap and hot water when visiting a ward affected with norovirus,” said Mrs Slaney. “Alcohol gel is effective against bacteria but not all viruses so hand washing as well as using the gel is really important.”