A norovirus outbreak has shut down three wards at St George’s Hospital.
The Tooting hospital in Blackshaw Road is currently facing a spread of the highly infectious virus which triggers vomiting and diarrhoea.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, group chief nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, has warned that once the virus enters a hospital, it can rip through wards “like wildfire”.
The St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced today (February 7) that measures have been taken to close three wards and some bays to admissions and transfers.
This will help reduce the risk of infection and spreading, and protect new patients from being exposed to the virus.
Norovirus symptoms usually last for two to three days – but people remain infectious for up to 48 to 72 hours after symptoms have stopped.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but drinking plenty of fluids is advised to avoid dehydration.
Norovirus symptoms include feeling sick, sudden or projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.
Patients may also face a high temperature, headaches, tummy pain, body aches and pain and occasional fever.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, said: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker. We are doing everything we can to limit the spread, but you can help us.
“Hand sanitisers such as alcohol gel do not kill the bug – the simple act of good hand washing with soap and water can make all the difference between our beds being used to care for patients, or lying empty at a time when every bed is precious.”
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