Children's ward reopens after stomach bug
Please note that the children's ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reopened to visitors on December 17 following the emergence of a winter stomach bug.
The children's ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital had been closed to visitors following the emergence of a winter stomach bug.
A viral stomach bug had emerged on Buxton Ward and as a result visiting on that ward had been restricted to:
- Immediate family members only
- Only one parent per patient
- No children under 16
Consultant microbiologist Dr Judith Richards said: “With this type of outbreak our advice is that that no-one should visit the ward unless it is absolutely essential. These types of stomach bugs occur every winter, they are contagious and the virus can spread very easily.
“We would also like to repeat the general advice to all visitors that if they have had a stomach bug, or have been in contact with someone who's had it, they shouldn't visit anyone in hospital until three days after the symptoms have ended.”
Anyone coming to a hospital ward should make sure they wash their hands with hot, soapy water when entering and leaving the ward as a matter of routine.
These types of infections affect up to one million people in the UK every year. It is easily spread, affects people with diarrhoea and vomiting for around 24 – 48 hours, and there are no long-lasting effects.
For more information about winter stomach bugs please visit this page.