Chesterfield Royal Hospital issues appeal to visitors after several cases of norovirus confirmed
The hospital is appealing to visitors and colleagues following a spike in norovirus cases.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital has issued an appeal to visitors and employees earlier today (Thursday, April 23) after several cases of norovirus were confirmed at the hospital.
As defined by the NHS, norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Norovirus is considered an unpleasant but short-lived illness, with recovery expected within two to three days.
However, vulnerable individuals including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness.
Due to a number of norovirus cases confirmed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, visitors and employees are asked to remain vigilant and avoid visiting the hospital for 48 if they experience any diarrhoea or vomiting.
A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT & Royal Primary Care said: “We have several confirmed cases of norovirus on our wards and colleagues who are affected – and we’re asking for your help in preventing the spread of this infectious virus through our site.
“No wards currently have restrictions, but we continue to monitor the situation.
“We don’t want to prevent people coming to see their loved ones, but we need to safeguard our patients and colleagues.
"We are asking our visitors and colleagues to make sure that:
“You are well enough to come to work/visit loved ones – if you have any sort of diarrhoea and vomiting then please do not come to our hospital until you have no symptoms for 48 hours.
“You wash your hands thoroughly – using soap and water every time you enter and leave the wards and in between if you are helping to care for a loved one or help them with meals.
“Remain vigilant - look out for symptoms in yourself, colleagues and patients, and follow the guidance below.
“If possible, when accompanying a loved one to ED, think whether you need to be with them - helping to keep our department less overcrowded will also help to stop the spread of bugs and illness.”