The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn is currently experiencing a surge in patients attending with symptoms of Norovirus and c.Difficile infections.
The Trust is therefore looking to refresh its appeal to visitors who have experienced diarrhea and vomiting symptoms in the previous 72 hours to stay away.
Ciara Moore, Chief Operating Officer said: “Looking after patients with suspected norovirus and c.Difficile infections means we sometimes have to close areas to stop the viruses spreading, this naturally puts the hospital under increased pressure. Any support that visitors and the general public can give in preventing more cases by washing hands properly, not bringing food into hospital and not visiting if they have been poorly in the previous 72 hours will be a significant help.”
The Trust is calling on help from the public after a number of recent admissions of patients who have displayed symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomitting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, but are otherwise healthy, please stay at home, however if people are concerned, the advice is to speak to their family doctor in the first instance.
The Trust is also keen to stress the importance of hand hygiene. Hand washing is essential when preparing or eating food and when coming into contact with anyone who has been suffering with vomiting or diarrhea.
Glynis Bennett, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control adds “It is now even more essential for all visitors to the hospital to wash their hands upon arrival in the sinks provided and that visitors to wards report to the Nurse in Charge first. By following simple steps together, staff, patients and the community can protect one another and help the Trust to continue to provide safe care for those patients who need it”
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