Seven Norovirus cases at East Sussex hospitals

Eastbourne DGH has two wards currently two wards not accepting new admissions – Sovereign and Seaford 4 with a further two bays on Seaford 3 ward and one bay on Jevington ward not accepting new admissions.

At the Conquest Hospital, Tressell ward has two bays closed which are expected to open tomorrow.

“Norovirus is highly infectious,” medical director Dr Hughes said.

“The public can help contain the spread of this virus by not visiting friends or relatives in hospital if they are experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and feel unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Please don’t help pass it on.”

A spokesman for the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust asked that you consider not visiting these wards, however, if visiting is essential please restrict the time of your visit to the very minimum and wash your hands before and after visiting.

“To help contain it we have restricted the movement of patients around the hospital and introduced stringent infection control measures,” Dr Hughes said.

“In particular, attention to good hygiene measures should be observed.

“It is very important to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with someone who is ill and after using the toilet, especially if you are suffering from symptoms.”

Norovirus is highly infectious and is the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in England and Wales.

It has been historically known as a ‘winter vomiting bug’ due to its seasonality and typical symptoms.

The illness is generally mild and people usually recover fully within two to three days.

For the latest updates on wards affected by the outbreak visit the trust website: www.esht.nhs.uk/infection-control/visiting-restrictions.

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