Gastroenteritis Outbreak Closes Ward 14 at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and Annan Hospital
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has today, Thursday 8 December 2016 taken the precautionary measure to temporarily restrict visitors to Ward 14 at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and Annan Hospital, due to a Norovirus outbreak (also known as the Winter Vomiting Bug).
The Hospital’s Infection Control team is continually monitoring the situation and has implemented full outbreak control measures and all appropriate infection control procedures have been put in place.
Ward 14 and Annan Hospital are closed to new admissions, transfers and routine visiting. A number of patients and members of staff have symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea clinically consistent with Norovirus.
Dr Martin Connor, Consultant Microbiologist said:
“Our priority is always patient, public and staff safety. We appreciate that this temporary visiting restriction to Ward 14 and Annan Hospital may cause some frustration, this measure will allow us to help prevent further spread of the infection and ensure safe patient care.
Where circumstances are such that relatives are concerned about the need to visit their loved ones, they are asked to contact the ward before coming to the hospital. We are aware of a large number of reports of Norovirus within the community, and all members of the public visiting other areas of the hospital are asked to comply with the hand hygiene and infection control measures in place, and not to visit if they are feeling unwell themselves”.
