Urgent norovirus message

25th October 2019

Norovirus is circulating in our communities.

The tummy bug is very unpleasant for anyone.

But it can be very dangerous for vulnerable hospital patients whose immune systems might not be as strong.

In the last 24 hours a number of patients in Swansea Bay University Health Board hospitals have tested positive for norovirus.

As some of them have been in hospital for some time it would suggest they have been infected by visitors.

Norovirus has been detected in Gorseinon, Morriston, Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals.

The whole of Gorseinon Hospital, ward B (trauma and orthopaedic) at Morriston and ward C at NPTH are closed to new admissions.

At least part of the outbreak has been traced back to a person who visited one of our sites. It is understood they were caring for someone with norovirus at home and then came onto a ward where they interacted with several patients.

Staff will now be reinforcing the rules around visiting which are:

•             No more than two visitors per bed

•             No children

•             Wash your hands

•             Do not interact with or offer food to any other patients.

So we are urging people to stay away from hospital if they feel unwell or have had symptoms in the past few days.

Do not visit a loved one until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.

Please avoid bringing children in to visit.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is by washing your hands regularly with soap and water:

•       Especially after using the toilet

•       After using a shopping trolley

•       Before eating and drinking

Alcohol gels and hand sanitizers are not always effective against these viruses.

If you have sickness and diarrhoea, it usually passes in a few days.

We are urging people who have it to stay at home and stay hydrated. Please avoid the Emergency Department.

If you are worried and need advice call 111 for 24/7 medical advice and to access the out-of-hours GP service.