Warning for visitors as infection hits North Devon hospitals
HOSPITAL visitors have been urged to stay away if they have suffered recent illness after outbreaks of diarrhoea and sickness at local hospitals. Staples Ward at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple is closed for disinfection and some bays were clo
HOSPITAL visitors have been urged to stay away if they have suffered recent illness after outbreaks of diarrhoea and sickness at local hospitals.
Staples Ward at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple is closed for disinfection and some bays were closed at community hospitals but are understood to have reopened.
Friends or relatives who have suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours or who have been in contact with someone who has, are asked not to visit local hospitals and put patients at risk at a time when they are likely to be more vulnerable to infection.
Northern Devon Healthcare Trust has said although the infections are much less widespread than other hospitals around the region, the problem is still serious, posing a risk to people who are already ill or recovering from operations and making it harder to admit new patients.
You may also want to watch:
The advice on visiting applies to all community hospitals, at Bideford, Ilfracombe, Holsworthy, Torrington and South Molton.
"The last thing you want in hospital is to go down with something as unpleasant as diarrhoea or vomiting," said Andrew Kingsley, clinical manager for infection control.
Most Read
- 1 Northam Murder: Carer guilty of brutal murder of frail widow
- 2 Woman reportedly assaulted at Bideford park - Police seek witnesses
- 3 Man dies after 'single vehicle collision' on the A386
- 4 Man dies after crash involving two lorries and a motorbike near Torrington
- 5 Northam Murder: Judge tells jury to put aside emotion
- 6 Evidence of damage found at Iron Age monument near Ilfracombe
- 7 £60,000 street marshal investment to make North Devon safer
- 8 Northam murder suspect accused of telling a 'litany of lies' about killing
- 9 South Molton pub attacker must pay compensation after kicking customer in head
- 10 Lockdown breaker caught dealing cannabis in Barnstaple
"Visitors carrying the bug can unwittingly infect vulnerable patients - including the very people they've come to cheer up.
"Please, if you have had a diarrhoea or sickness bug, make sure you've been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours before coming to visit. And when you do come in, please make sure you use the hand wash facilities - taking a few seconds to clean up can save a huge amount of anguish.
