LEWISHAM: Norovirus hospital restrictions in place (From News Shopper)

LEWISHAM: Norovirus hospital restrictions in place

9:50am Friday 26th February 2010 in

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VISITORS are being turned away from Lewisham Hospital to curb the spread of the norovirus.

Only those visiting critically or terminally ill patients, children who are inpatients or partners of maternity patients are currently allowed in.

These restrictions, first put into effect on Wednesday, aim to curb the spread of the winter vomiting bug.

The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust’s director of operations and nursing, Claire Champion, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our patients is always our top priority.

“We recognise the value of visiting to our patients and this step has not been taken lightly however I believe these measures are essential to ensure we protect our patients and visitors from a fairly virulent winter bug.

“The Health Protection Agency has advised us that this is the most virulent second wave of norovirus since 2006.”

The trust said the situation was being continually reviewed and measures would be lifted when the trust considered it safe to do so.

Anyone with severe or persistent diarrhoea and vomiting should call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.