Press release – issued 5 January 2023
2023/002

Bromyard Community Hospital wards closed to visitors    

Both inpatient wards at Bromyard Community Hospital are closed to visitors due to cases of diarrhoea and vomiting caused by Norovirus.  

As a preventative measure visiting to both wards has been stopped to prevent the further spread of Norovirus, which is affecting some patients. 

Lucy Flanagan, chief nursing officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “This type of virus is commonly seen at this time of year and can spread quickly to our vulnerable patients and our staff.  Experience has shown that restricting visiting can lessen the chance of spread. 

“We wish to thank our patients and visitors for their understanding and to emphasise that these restrictions are in place to protect our patients, as part of a zero tolerance approach to healthcare associated infections”.

There are some simple steps that the public can take to help stop norovirus spreading:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food. If you’re in an NHS facility pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and leaving a ward.
• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
• Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic.
• Wash any clothing, or linens, which could have become contaminated with norovirus. Washing with hot, soapy water will help to ensure that the virus is killed.
• Although people usually recover without treatment in 24-72 hours, it is important to stay away from work, school, college or any social gatherings until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Ends

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £295 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928