Virus affects patients at St Bernard’s Hospital

GIBRALTAR (GOG press release) Over the past few days an enteric virus presumed to be Norovirus has affected patients at St Bernard’s Hospital (confirmatory tests are underway in the UK). This virus causes vomiting and diahorrea and may in some cases cause dehydration that may require specific treatment. The virus was first diagnosed in Victoria Ward but also occurred in Captain Murchison Ward, John Ward and Dudley Toomey Ward. The source of the virus is likely to be from the community which has also had many cases. The outbreak in Victoria Ward and John Ward is now over and as of today> only one new case has been identified. The GHA has implemented all its Infection Control Policies that govern such an outbreak. These include the restriction of visitors to just one visitor per person per day. In addition patients have been grouped on the wards to reduce the risk of spreading. Measures have been taken in regard to the disposal of soiled material and surfaces cleaning has been increased as per the Infection Control Officer’s advice.

 

With regard to hospital medical admissions, doctors have been advised to admit only those whose disease process requires urgent hospitalisation. Those who are fit to return home are being discharged as soon as possible to avoid catching the infection.

 

With regard to scheduled surgery, the policy in place for the past 4 days has been that if the operating surgeon is of the opinion that the nature of the procedure is such that complications might arise as a result of an infection, then the procedure will be delayed until the outbreak has been declared over. If the surgeon is happy to proceed and the patient agrees, surgery will go ahead. If the patient declines, the surgery will be rebooked. As of today, as the outbreak appears to have concluded in Dudley Toomey Ward the above policy will be rescinded. The infection is generally mild with symptoms lasting a few days. However because the incubation period (the time between infection and the origin of symptoms) can be up to 5 days, the outbreak is estimated to last at least 5 more days. As the virus can live on surfaces for up to 7 days the hospital will be on alert for at least 12 days after the last case has been diagnosed.
 

For those who do come in to visit their relatives, they are advised to strictly observe the hand washing instructions and to restrict visiting to one patient. As soon as the outbreak has been declared completely over the standard visiting policies will be restored.