Visits to Gloucestershire hospitals restricted after outbreaks of Norovirus
Visiting to Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital has been restricted after outbreaks of Norovirus.
From Monday (9 December) only two adults at a time are being allowed to visit patients, and Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust is discouraging children from visiting - who they say are more susceptible to the bug.
Visiting restrictions are also in place on specific wards. From Tuesday (December 10) members of the public are being asked not to visit relatives and friends on Ward 4b at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
The Trust says the temporary restrictions are there to protect patients and to control the spread of the illness.
Advice from the Trust on how to protect patients and yourself:
Do not visit healthcare facilities, like hospitals, if you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting until two days after symptoms have stopped (even if these were mild symptoms)
If you are a patient due to have a planned stay in hospital and you develop diarrhoea and/or vomiting just before you are due to come in, please inform the ward / department to let them know. They can advise you whether it is safe for you to come into hospital
Always wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. You should always do this after using the toilet and before preparing food. This is good practice whether or not you have symptoms
Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for a minimum of three days
If you, or someone you care for, needs medical advice call NHS 111 or call your GP surgery in the first instance
Read more: Norovirus outbreak closes three wards at Royal Cornwall Hospital