Virus hits Exeter hospital operations
THE outbreak of a vomiting bug at a city hospital has now led to operations being cancelled, health chiefs have revealed.
Patients in 13 wards and/or bays at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital are continuing to be affected by norovirus. The affected areas have been closed to visitors and new patients.
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RESTRICTION: Chief operating officer Elaine Hobson
A spokesman said: “Some non-urgent planned operations have been cancelled for patients to alleviate pressures on bed capacity as a result of norovirus-affected wards being closed to new patients. We are prioritising clinically urgent patients for surgery.
“This decision wasn’t taken lightly because we understand how disappointing this can be for our patients.
“The situation is constantly being reviewed and plans have been put in place to ensure the best possible care for patients and emergency admissions.
“Visiting will only be allowed to closed wards in exceptional circumstances and if agreed in advance with the matron or nurse in charge.”
Chief operating officer Elaine Hobson said: “This bug spreads very easily and someone can come into the hospital with the symptoms and pass it on to others.
“The visitor restriction is part of a package of measures we put in place to resume at the earliest practical opportunity business as usual.”
The hospital is no longer naming the wards as the situation is “changing constantly” and anyone wishing to visit is asked to check in advance whether this is possible.
The spokesman added: “We understand this is a difficult situation but our advice is to call the ward first to check whether you will be allowed to visit
“We are asking people to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital, particularly if you are intending to bring young children and babies.
“Do not come into a hospital if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the last 48 hours or you have been in close contact with someone with these symptoms.”
The Health Protection Agency’s advice is for people who have been infected with norovirus to isolate themselves until fully recovered.
If worried about symptoms, people are advised to ask for a telephone consultation with their GP or phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Comments
by Bob Tatchell, Hertfordshire
Friday, March 19 2010, 1:03PM
“My mother has now been trapped on her ward without visitors for a week. If the problem is, potentially, visitors and they are barred how come the virus is still spreading around the ward? Does the hospital have an effective control regime? What are the hospital doing to ensure that those who are alone/bored/scared can be in contact with their families? Why does there seem to be no provision for cordless phones to be available so that, even if we can't visit, we can talk to loved ones? Who speaks for the patient in this sort of lock down situation? Disgraceful.”