Help keep norovirus away from Bassetlaw Hospital this winter

Nicknamed the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus becomes more active during the colder months, making its unfortunate victims feel particularly unwell.

Spread via contact with contaminated items, it can rapidly infect close-knit areas such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes.

That is why hospital staff are reminding anyone who has nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea not to visit hospital until they have been completely symptom-free for at least 48 hours. If they visit before then, it could mean that they unwittingly pass the bug onto hospital patients and staff.

Dr Kenneth Agwuh, director of infection, prevention and control at Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The winter months are here again and with them an increase in norovirus. This infection is a very contagious and can infect anyone, and can have extremely worrying consequences for patients already ill in hospital.

“It is so important not to visit until you have been symptom-free for at least a couple of days. An outbreak may mean we have to restrict admissions and visitors to wards to contain the virus.”

Staff are saying to patients and visitors:

· Don’t come to hospital if you have signs of a stomach upset

· Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food

· Wait at least 48 hours after being symptom free before visiting hospital.

Following these simple yet very effective steps, can help keep patients safe and norovirus out of hospitals.