COMMUNICATIONS

Hospitals Seek Public Support in Controlling Norovirus Spread

Anyone with vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea, requiring medical assistance, should phone their GP or After Hours medical centre before visiting them or coming to Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Visitors are also being asked to think carefully about visiting Christchurch Hospital and The Princess Margaret Hospital, as staff work to prevent the spread of norovirus, which has closed two wards at each hospital.

“Norovirus seems to be particularly prevalent in the community at the moment and we have had a number of people coming into the Emergency Department with diarrhoea and vomiting,” Medical and Surgical Services General Manager Mark Leggett said.

“To prevent it spreading to our already sick patients we need the public to help us by seeking any help that they require for stomach bug symptoms through their General Practice. Hospital admissions are uncommon for stomach bugs,” he said.

As always, visitors should stay away from hospitals if they have had diarrhoea and vomiting in the previous 48 hours or been with people who have had diarrhoea and vomiting. Children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions are advised not to visit Christchurch Hospital and The Princess Margaret Hospital at this time, unless essential. Anyone visiting affected wards should expect to be asked to take simple precautions and follow hospital advice to protect themselves and others.

Norovirus causes stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is prevalent in the community at this time of year, along with other gastrointestinal bugs. The virus spreads extremely easily, requiring a mere one to ten viral particles to infect someone. It is also very hardy and can survive for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.

Thorough handwashing is one of the most effective things people can do to avoid contracting norovirus and other bugs. If you do have a stomach bug, remember to drink small amounts of fluid often and advise a friend, family member or neighbour that you are unwell, so that they can seek medical advice if needed.

“Despite its prevalence, we take Norovirus very seriously because of the effect it can have on people who are already sick,” Canterbury District Health Board Chief Medical Officer Nigel Millar said. CDHB staff are working hard to take all possible measures to protect patients from this current outbreak of norovirus.

ENDS