Ward closed as stomach bug hits hospital

Tuesday 14 November 2017

Corbière ward at Jersey's General Hospital is currently closed to visitors and new patients, following the outbreak of a diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

Hospital officials say it has also affected two other wards, but "containment" measures are in place in those, as there are, so far, only isolated cases.

Seven patients and four staff members have so far been affected by the outbreak of what the hospital is describing as a ‘norovirus-like’ infection.

Dr Ivan Muscat, Director of Infection Prevention and Control, commented:

“We wish to assure members of the public that clinical management of patients on the affected wards will not be compromised. The situation will be reviewed regularly by the infection prevention and control team and hospital senior management on at least a daily basis.

Dr Muscat urged Islanders not to visit the hospital if they have symptoms which include diarrhoea (with or without nausea or vomiting), abdominal pain and/or fever. He said anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their GP.

“Everyone can play their part by not coming to the Hospital if they are showing symptoms and by adopting simple methods of enhanced hygiene; the single most effective way to prevent the spread of this type of infection is with handwashing, using soap and water.”