Hospital urges responsible visiting

Health professionals at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are urging people to take extra precautions when visiting friends and family at the hospital.

The hospital currently has two wards closed due to viral gastroenteritis and are keen to contain the virus.

Libby McManus, chief nurse, said: "We are specifically asking people who have been unwell not to visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. This is really important because the virus is highly infectious. The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands, although the risk is reduced over time.

"If you are visiting someone in hospital we ask that you follow guidance, which includes always washing your hands before and after visiting and use the hand sanitizer gel. This is to keep the virus contained and to help visitors to keep themselves safe as well as their friends or relatives.

"We have clear practice standards for all staff to follow in these circumstances, and this includes being strict about visiting when necessary to protect both patients and visitors. We will take tough action and suspend all visiting to individual affected areas to stop the spread of this unpleasant and distressing virus."

Visitors can call the hospital before visiting to find out if a particular ward is closed, and up-to-date information about closures is also available on display screens in the main entrance.