Hospitals hit by virus outbreak

Three wards have been closed to the public at Stafford Hospital after an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug and one ward has had to be shut at Sandwell General Hospital

There have been two confirmed cases of Norovirus and another 12 patients are showing symptoms at Stafford Hospital's Weston Road site.

Now bosses are warning people not to visit patients at Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals if possible, in a bid to prevent the spread of infection.

They are particularly urging people who have recently experienced nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea to stay away.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the two hospitals, had to close the three wards at Stafford yesterday.

Director of nursing and governance Helen Moss said Norovirus spread very easily from person to person and could survive for several days in a contaminated area.

She said: "We have had to close three medical wards at Stafford Hospital due to two confirmed cases of Norovirus and another 12 patients who are showing symptoms.

"Although we aren't banning visitors, we would discourage members of the public from attending Stafford Hospital wherever possible to limit the risk of spreading the infection.

"We would urge anyone who has a stomach upset - or a cold, cough or any condition that may be infectious -Ênot to visit our hospitals as we are concerned for the welfare of both our patients and our staff.

"We have placed posters in our main reception areas at Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals advising visitors of steps they can take to reduce the spread of infection."

She said there was no specific treatment for Norovirus but drinking plenty of water helped replace fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, which was very important for young children and the elderly who were particularly prone to dehydration.

"People who have had diarrhoea and sickness are advised to allow at least two days after their sickness before returning to work or going out in public," she added.

Norovirus is highly infectious and hygiene measures, such as hand washing and thorough cleaning of surfaces, should be taken during outbreaks to prevent the spread of infection.

At Sandwell, emergency staff have been drafted in after 15 patients and 12 members of staff became ill with the norovirus bug.

The outbreak comes after nearby City Hospital, on the Smethwick-Birmingham border, was forced to close a ward after an outbreak of the virus.

A hospital spokesman said: "We've closed the wards to stop the virus spreading."