Norovirus Outbreak Closes Four Wards at Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Four wards at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital remain closed following an outbreak of norovirus.

Last Thursday Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board advised those visiting the Wrexham Maelor Hospital to take extra precautions following an outbreak of the norovirus across several wards.

Five wards at the hospital were closed with 33 patients receiving treatment after displaying symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

An update provided by the health board this afternoon states that four wards at the hospital remain closed to new admissions and transfers following a number of cases over the last week, with 21 patients being treated for norovirus.

Kat Boardman, Senior Nurse in Infection Prevention, said: “Norovirus circulates in communities across North Wales throughout the year, but seems to have peaked in the Wrexham area over the last week.

“Norovirus can be very unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days. If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better. Try to avoid coming to hospital, as norovirus can spread to others very easily. Call your GP or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 if you’re concerned or need any advice.

“This is really important for us because although people who are generally healthy will get over a case of norovirus within a few days, for people who are already very ill, the side effects of norovirus can be more serious.

“The Health Board is asking the public to support us in preventing spread of infection by not coming to hospital to visit, or for an appointment, if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours, or are suffering from a flu-like illness. Please have your flu jab if you have been offered it, as that offers the best protection against flu.

“It is vital that that everyone follows the key rules to protect themselves, their families and, especially, our patients.”

The rules

– Visitors must not come into any of our hospitals if they have suffered from diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours.
– Patients who are due to come in but have had either diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 48 hours are asked to contact us first for advice, and so we can make appropriate arrangements.
– All visitors to our hospitals should follow the advice on the signs and notices at ward entrances and any guidance from nursing or other staff.
– Children should not come visiting to affected wards
– Everyone entering and leaving a ward must use the hand rub or wash their hands.

Advice to the general public

The best way for members of the public to protect themselves is to ensure they wash their hands after visiting the toilet, and before eating, and avoid contact with people suffering from diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

Although norovirus is unpleasant, for most people who are generally healthy it is a short lived illness of two or three days and does not require specialist treatment or a hospital admission.

People with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should ensure that they do not become dehydrated by continuing to drink plenty of fluids.  They can get advice from their GP practice (people with active symptoms should telephone rather than attending in person to avoid infecting other people) or from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.  Advice is available online from Public Health Wales or by downloading their leaflet.