Hospital re-opens most wards to visitors following outbreak

Walsall Manor Hospital has today (Wednesday 16th February) re-opened nearly all of its wards to visitors following an outbreak of Norovirus last week.  However, the visiting restriction remains in place on ward 7, ward 9, ward 15, and ward 4, as these wards still have some patients affected with the virus.

Amir Khan, Medical Director at Walsall Manor Hospital said: “There are currently 11 symptomatic patients affected by the outbreak of the virus but as we are seeing an overall reduction in the number of cases, this means that we are now in a position to safely re-open the rest of the hospital to visitors.”

Norovirus is currently spreading through the local community so to prevent the virus from being re-introduced to the hospital Walsall Manor Hospital is urging any visitors to patients on any of the hospital wards, to stay away if they are, or have been recently affected by vomiting and diarrhoea. If members of the public have been with a friend, or family member who has shown either of these symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea), the hospital is requesting that visitors do not come into hospital and stay away from others as much as possible.

Norovirus is very easily spread from person to person and lasts around two days and the only treatment required is plenty of fluid to maintain hydrated. However, even after the symptoms have cleared up people may still carry the virus and infect others up to three days after their own symptoms have stopped.

Walsall Manor Hospital’s Medical Director, Amir Khan added: “Washing or cleansing your hands is such a simple task but it can make a huge contribution to preventing and reducing the spread of infections like Norovirus.

“All ward based staff are trained in infection control techniques and are continually made aware of their responsibilities, but raising awareness among patients and their families and friends who come to visit is much more challenging.

“Sick people are more susceptible to picking up infections and following this outbreak I would like to remind everyone of their responsibility to clean or wash their hands thoroughly when visiting a friend or relative in hospital as it really does reduce the risk of germs spreading.

“Visitors are also asked to take other precautions to reduce the risk of infection which includes not sitting on beds and staying at home if they are ill.”

Hand gel dispensers are provided at the entrance to all wards and departments and ‘clean your hand signs’ are displayed around these and also at washbasins and in toilets. There are also a number of ‘Saniposts’ (large hand gel dispensers) located in the public areas of the hospital, near to the café and restaurants and by the main entrances. 

Michael Scott, Interim Chief Executive, at Walsall Manor Hospital said: “I would like to once again offer my thanks to the public for their support and patience whilst the total visiting restriction was in place. It really helped to contain the virus on those wards that were affected and protect the health of all of our patients, their relatives, carers and their friends.”