Rooms closed at Deeside hospital as norovirus cases increase at Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Rooms on a Deeside Community Hospital ward have been sealed off by health officials in an effort to stem the spread of the norovirus bug which has infected twenty-two patients at Wrexham’s Maelor hospital in the past few days.

Norovirus has now been confirmed on three wards at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and we have suspended all admissions to these wards.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board say a further two wards at Wrexham have suspended all admissions and three wards have had restrictions on specific rooms and bays put into place, a ward in Chirk Community Hospital has also been closed as a precaution.

Although rooms at Deeside Community Hospital have been closed the health board has not confirmed there have been any cases at the hospital.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesman said;

“We urging hospital visitors to look out for notices and signs that indicate affected areas, and take advice from staff before entering these areas.

It is important that people obey any restrictions on the number of visitors and follow guidance on cleaning hands on entering and leaving a ward area.

Parents should not bring babies or young children onto the wards.

People should not visit patients at the hospital if they have suffered from diarrhoea, vomiting or an upset stomach during the previous two days (48 hours).

People who are due to come into hospital for an appointment or to be admitted and have had these symptoms should telephone the ward or department for dvice before coming to hospital.”

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.

Seek advice from the Pharmacist or GP, and follow the advice from Public Health Wales – Click here for more information.

Clik on the image below for a leaflet on norovirus.