Trust’s plea to visitors this winter

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is appealing for the support of the public to help prevent the spread of infections this winter.

It’s the time of year where there are high numbers of people within the community with norovirus – the winter vomiting bug.  In order to prevent the spread of infections from the community to the hospital the Trust’s Medical Director is asking for visitors to show consideration by staying away from the hospital if they have been unwell or are symptomatic.    

Alastair Turnbull, Medical Director, explained: “We are asking for the public’s support and request that if you have been unwell or have any symptoms of tummy upset that you exercise caution and do not visit patients in the hospital.

“The Trust has a great record in infection control practices but we need your help to protect our most vulnerable patients. Norovirus can be a very unpleasant illness and is one of the most infectious viruses known. We have had to close limited areas and may need to put in place more strict visiting controls to affected areas in order to protect both our patients and staff. Please be understanding of this.

“We always advise that people who have been unwell should not visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

“If you are a visitor we ask that you follow guidance, which includes always washing your hands with soap and water before and after visiting and use the hand sanitizer gel.”

18 December 2013