Norovirus causes over 100 ward closures across the UK
Robert Gubbins/Dreamstime.com
Handwashing after handling a bedside chart is essential for infection
control |
Norovirus outbreaks have caused the closure of over 100 hospital wards across the UK during the past month. The incidence of illness caused by the highly contagious virus, which can cause projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, was at its highest level for five years during December 2007.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board is one organisation to have suffered
severe service interruptions. As Hospital Pharmacist went to press, 14
wards had been closed throughout the board’s district, nine of
which were situated in Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary.
Scott Bryson, specialist in pharmaceutical public health
for the board, commented: “Although a closed ward means that no
new patients are admitted and no patients are moved to other wards, it’s
still business as usual for essential healthcare staff, including pharmacy
personnel.
“Additional precautions are recommended to minimise cross- infection,
such as handwashing after every patient interaction — including
counselling a patient, handling a bottle of a patient’s own medicines
or having any contact with a bedside chart.”
Sharing good practice with community pharmacy and the general public
is equally important, Mr Bryson said. Many relatives or carers will be
visiting a pharmacy to purchase symptomatic relief, and this is a good
opportunity for communicating information about the principles of infection
control in the household and the management of symptoms.
The Health Protection Agency estimates that norovirus can cost the NHS
over £100m per year because of ward closures. Norovirus is discussed
in this month’s Special feature (PDF 60K). |
Hospital
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