HEALTH: PRUH remains closed to visitors (From News Shopper)

HEALTH: PRUH remains closed to visitors

4:45pm Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in

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VISITING restrictions are still in place at the Princess Royal University Hospital because of the norovirus outbreak.

Only parents visiting children, partners accompanying expectant mothers and close relatives of critically and terminally ill patients are allowed to visit the hospital.

This rule has been in force since last week in an attempt to stop the spread of the winter vomiting bug.

The hospital was shut last Thursday (February 17), including the accident and emergency department.

However, this was reopened on Friday afternoon and the South London Healthcare NHS Trust says the situation is slowly improving.

Wards are gradually being reopened including three surgical ones meaning planned surgery can take place.

Outpatients’ services have not been affected by the incident.

Norovirus is also causing problems at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, and three wards have been closed to visitors.

A Trust spokesman said: “Norovirus spreads very easily and it is still possible to infect others for 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

“It is important to drink plenty of fluids, stay away from family and friends, stay away from work or school until free from symptoms for 72 hours.

“Wash hands frequently and very thoroughly with soap and water, and do not prepare food until at least 48 hours until after the symptoms have gone.”

For more information on norovirus see hpa.org.uk