Published Date:
27 March 2009
By Craig Brown
THREE wards at a Glasgow hospital were closed to new admissions yesterday following an outbreak of the winter vomiting disease.
The Southern General shut down two medical wards and one surgical ward after seven patients were struck down with the norovirus bug. Tom Walsh, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's infection control manager, said patients had no need to worry.
He said: "Strict infection control measures are in place to limit the spread of the illness.
"At this time of year it's not at all unusual to see this type of virus in the community and also in healthcare settings."
He added the wards remained in use and existing patients were continuing to be treated.
The norovirus bug can be dangerous for vulnerable patients and is also known as winter vomiting disease. It is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the UK.
Last night, MSPs called for efforts to be redoubled to improve hygiene in hospitals.
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Last Updated:
26 March 2009 9:30 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Hospital superbugs
