Hospital staff urge ill locals to stay away

Sherwood Forest Hospitals is asking anyone planning to visit any of their hospitals to stay at home if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last four days.

The request is designed to help keep the ‘winter vomiting’ bug (or Norovirus) away from vulnerable patients and staff who could pass it on.

Symptoms of Norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting and, just like flu, the virus can seriously affect vulnerable patients.

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Diseases such as Norovirus can be exacerbated by colder weather, and can be particularly serious for people who are already ill or who have a long term condition.

Suzanne Morris, infection prevention and control nurse consultant at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We usually see higher levels of Norovirus in autumn and winter, and it’s really important to make sure that we protect vulnerable patients and hospital staff.

“This is why we’re asking everyone considering visiting a friend or relative in hospital to think carefully about whether they need to come if they have experienced diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in the last four days.

“We know that sometimes visitors feel they must take every opportunity to visit sick friends or relatives.

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“However, if they themselves have been unwell, they could be putting others at risk. If you’re unsure whether to visit, please feel free to contact the ward nurse before you come into hospital.”

People worried about prolonged symptoms, should ring their GP, who will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as children under the age of five or the elderly.”

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