Trust remains 'ultra vigilant' following norovirus outbreak

Published: 4:50 PM March 24, 2010 Updated: 4:03 PM November 7, 2020

NORTHERN Devon Healthcare Trust says it is continuing to be ultra-vigilant in light of the recent norovirus outbreak. Two bays on one ward at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Barnstaple, and one bay at South Molton Hospital, remain closed to pati

NORTHERN Devon Healthcare Trust says it is continuing to be "ultra-vigilant" in light of the recent norovirus outbreak.

Two bays on one ward at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Barnstaple, and one bay at South Molton Hospital, remain closed to patients following an outbreak of the highly contagious diarrhoea and vomiting bug. Around 50 operations have been postponed.

The medical assessment unit at NDDH re-opened to patients on Saturday after being closed for the week, while Holsworthy Hospital and Tyrell Hospital in Ilfracombe, which had also been affected by suspected cases, both re-opened on Friday.

As the Trust continues to manage the outbreak, patients with less serious conditions are being are being urged to use minor injury units at community hospitals rather than the Barnstaple A&E department.

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Hospital visitors who have had, or have been in contact with someone who has had, diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 48 hours are being asked to stay away.

Yesterday (Tuesday), the Trust's chief executive, Jac Kelly, praised hospital staff for their fast and effective management of the outbreak.