Press Release

08 January 2008

Public Asked To Help Keep Winter Vomiting Bug Out Of Hospital

Health bosses are asking the public to prevent the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, becoming a problem at mid Essex hospitals by taking some basic precautions.

People are being asked not to visit the hospital, unless absolutely necessary, if they have had diarrhoea or vomiting during the last 48 hours or been in contact with anyone who has as you need to be clear of the bug for 48 hours before you are not contagious.

Margaret Blackett, interim director of operations at mid Essex hospitals, said:” We are very grateful to our staff and the public for their help so far in helping to ensure this bug is not a problem in the hospital.  As we have had some isolated cases within the hospital we are trying to put some early precautions in place to ensure it does not spread and become a bigger problem.  We are strictly enforcing the hand washing policy on entrance and exit to the wards.”

As a precaution currently anyone who wants to enter a ward is being asked to use the intercom so staff can screen people to ensure the bug is not brought in.  The Trust is continually monitoring the situation, but at this stage has not had to close any wards or restrict admissions.

ENDS

Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948