A vomiting bug at Altnagelvin Hospital in Co. Derry has caused beds to be closed and operations to be cancelled.
An outbreak of gastroenteritis has forced the complete closure of Ward 5 (Elective Orthopaedics), which has 25 beds.
All non-urgent routine procedures “will be cancelled in the coming days”, the Western Health Trust said.
People are warned to avoid visiting the hospital if they are feeling unwell and all visitors are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting.
The hospital cites ‘ongoing challenges’ that are affecting services. Beds have been temporality closed due to instances of vomiting and diarrhoea, nurse staffing levels and delays in patient discharges.
Dr Dermot Hughes, Medical Director, says increased infection prevention and control measures have now been put in place.
Dr Hughes said: “The Trust is reviewing the situation through its business continuity arrangements on a daily basis to ensure we maximise available bed capacity, and ensure the most urgent scheduled operations and treatments are done.”
“The safety of our patients is a fundamental priority for the Trust and this temporary measure has been brought in to maintain a continuity of service and ensure patient safety.”
“People should avoid visiting the hospital if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Those who are visiting are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting. Visitors should visit only one patient whilst at the hospital, refrain from sitting on hospital beds and not move from ward to ward when visiting.”
The Trust has apologised for any inconveniences caused to patients.
