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Vomiting virus keeps wards closed

31/10/2002

HOPE Hospital is still appealing for people who feel ill to stay away while they continue to battle a major viral outbreak.

As exclusively revealed in The Advertiser last week, nine wards were closed to new patients and some operations cancelled in a bid to control the spread of diarrhoea and vomiting, causing gastroenteritis through the hospital.

Six of those wards have now reopened and no operations have been cancelled this week, however two other elderly care wards and three surgical wards remain closed to new patients.

By its 20th day today (Thursday), the virus has affected 228 patients and staff by the time the Advertiser went to press.

The epidemic, which has hit several other hospitals in the region including North Manchester General, Bolton, Trafford, Stepping Hill and Wythenshawe, is believed to be caused by the Norwalk Virus, known as "winter vomiting."

The disease is relatively common in hospitals and widespread in the community, though this is the biggest outbreak to hit Hope in many years. It is not lethal, though it can be very unpleasant and debilitating for people who are already ill. Symptoms in healthy people last about two days.

Hospital bosses are still urging members of the public who are ill or have been in contact with people suffering diarrhoea or vomiting not to visit patients. Staff who fall ill are being sent home.

Dr Maeve Keaney, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust infection control doctor, said: "We are coping very well with the outbreak within specific areas and then, unfortunately, it is introduced into new areas from the community."