Keep bugs away from hospital

September 27, 2007

Keep bugs away from hospital

Tauranga Hospital is asking people with tummy bugs (gastroenteritis) to stay away from patients, after several patients and staff in Ward 3 were hit by gastroenteritis this week.

Infection control coordinator Adrienne Stewart says healthy people often don’t realise the risk to patients, when they bring seemingly minor infectious bugs into the hospital environment.

“People in hospital tend to have lowered resistance and the impact of even small infections can seriously impede their recovery,” she says.

Admissions and transfers to the ward have been halted and visitors restricted. Children will not be allowed in until the ward has been cleared of the bug.

“We are urging people who may have gastroenteritis to avoid visiting friends and family in hospital, while symptoms persist,” says Ms Stewart.

Visitors to Ward 3 are being asked to check in with staff before they come into contact with patients and not to visit other wards while at the hospital.

Staff in Ward 3 will not work in other areas until the outbreak is over, to ensure bugs are not transferred.

A key factor in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis is strict handwashing after using the toilet, and before preparing or serving food.

The incubation period for gastroenteritis is 1-4 days and the illness generally lasts about two days. People with gastroenteritis are infectious during incubation and for up to two days after symptoms have ended.

ENDS

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