Spread of norovirus is closing wards. Visiting restrictions put in place to protect patients.

NHS bosses are urging people who have had symptoms of norovirus – diarrhoea and vomiting – in at least the past 48 hours to stay away from Exeter and East Devon’s hospitals.

The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) is experiencing an increase in patients admitted with diarrhoea and/or vomiting caused by the norovirus.

Norovirus is widespread in the local community at the moment. It spreads from person to person extremely easily and causes outbreaks in hospital which result in wards being closed to further admissions.

To protect patients and visitors the RD&E Hospital is temporarily restricting the number of people who visit patients. On all of its wards (with the exceptions of ITU, Bramble Unit, Maternity and Neonatal Unit where the usual visiting arrangements remain in place) patients may receive only one visitor for 30 minutes twice a day from 2.30pm - 3pm and 6pm - 6.30pm.

Hospital bosses have asked people to help them achieve this by agreeing with their relatives and friends who will visit to avoid several people trying to visit the same patient at the same time and some having to be disappointed.

In exceptional circumstances, visiting outside these hours can be arranged with the nurse in charge of the ward, and people are asked to ring the ward in advance to arrange this.

It is extremely important that people do not visit any of the wards until they have been free of diarrhoea and/or vomiting symptoms for at least 48 hours, as they will still be infectious and will infect the person they visit.

Keep checking the RD&E website for more information and updates.

Dr Virginia Pearson, director of public health for the NHS in Devon, said:

“At this time of year outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting, often called the ‘winter vomiting disease’, are particularly common in the community.

“In our hospitals friends and family are usually encouraged to visit their relatives while in hospital to cheer up their day and give them some company. However, we need to protect our patients. Our hospitals are looking after people who are unwell and may have reduced immunity. They are therefore more likely to catch norovirus.

“If you have been feeling unwell recently, particularly experiencing any symptoms of diarrhoea, sickness of nausea and if you are recovering from a bout of sickness, please could you stay away from hospitals or nursing homes until you have been free of any of these symptoms for at least 48 hours. People should also stay away from work or school until they have recovered.

“Similarly, if you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of norovirus, whether in the family, at school or work – you could also be bringing the virus into one of our hospitals, so please stay away until it is clear that you have not picked up the virus.”