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Mystery sickness bug closes hospital ward

A ward at Sandwell Hospital has been closed after an outbreak of a sickness and diarrhoea bug.

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The Newton 4 ward has been closed since September 29. Thirteen patients have been diagnosed with the bug, which has not been identified.

Trust bosses have banned patients' relatives from making visits in a bid to stop it spreading. Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust spokesman Abigail Parkin said the ward had been closed as a precautionary measure, to avoid the risk of passing the infection on.

But she insisted all other wards at the hospital remained open.

"Nursing staff are doing all they can to ensure patients can maintain contact with their friends and relatives through telephone calls, and we are working hard to get things back to normal as soon as possible," she said.

"Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs are circulating in the community at present, though it remains difficult to state with certainty how this originated.

"Visitors are asked not to come into the hospital if they have suffered diarrhoea or vomiting symptoms, or have been in close contact with anyone with symptoms, over the last 72 hours.

"Visitors are also reminded to ensure they wash their hands before and after visiting wards.

"People suffering with symptoms who are due to attend the hospital for an appointment should telephone the hospital first."

Among those affected is Oldbury resident Loraine Mather, whose 80-year-old father Raymond Jones is on Newton four after he suffered a stroke in September.

"It is very distressing," said Mrs Mather, aged 50, of Ashes Road.

"When we say how distressing it is they say 'you are not alone' and 'everyone is in the same boat'.

"They say there is nothing they can do until they hear it is okay.

"They do not tell you much over the phone. It's very upsetting because dad isn't in a very good state of health and we're keen to see him."

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