Media release from West Coast DHB

Morice Ward at Grey Base Hospital went onto 'restricted access' on Friday as several patients and staff experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis. The illness, confirmed as Norovirus, causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Anyone going into the ward is required to don gowns, booties, masks and gloves an as infection control measure to prevent the highly infectious illness from spreading in the hospital.

Only urgent visits from family members are currently permitted in the medical ward and visitors will also have to put on protective clothing. Anyone intending to visit a patient in Morice Ward is requested to contact the main reception on their arrival at the hospital.

New patients are not being admitted to Morice Ward at this time but are being accommodated in other hospital wards. The precautions are likely to be in place for most of the week.

People who are unwell should refrain from visiting the hospital until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

Gastro intestinal illnesses are quite common in the community. When someone has diarrhoea and/or vomiting, Norovirus should be suspected and appropriate measures put in place.

People who have come into contact with someone with the virus should thoroughly wash both sides of their hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before drying them for the same amount of time. Alternatively, alcohol hand rub solutions, which are readily available from chemists, can be used.

The sick person should not prepare food and should stay away from others until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. Their room, toilet and bathroom areas and any other areas they may have touched should be cleaned thoroughly with household bleach disinfectant.