Blog, Medical and healthcare
South Wales hospitals take decisive action as norovirus strikes: hand washing advice issued
Oct
Wash hands with soap and water advises Health Board
Infection prevention protocols have been put into place at hospitals in south Wales – with effective hand washing techniques being to the fore, according to a recent report on the Wales 247 website.
Norovirus has been “detected” in Singleton, Gorseinon, Morriston and Neath Port Talbot hospitals according to the article by who revealed that
“The whole of Gorseinon Hospital, ward B (trauma and orthopaedic) at Morriston and ward C at Neath Port Talbot Hospital are closed to new admissions.”
The outbreak appears to have originated with a hospital visitor who had been caring for a norovirus sufferer at home. A number of patients in the Swansea Bay University Health Board hospitals have apparently tested positive as a result.
Strict visiting rules have now been implemented which prevent the interaction with, or offering of, food to patients, limit the number of visitors – and require everyone to wash their hands effectively.
Soap and running water washing
The “best way” to protect friends and family says the report, “…is by washing your hands regularly with soap and water” after visiting the toilet and before eating. Hand gels are of limited value against norovirus says the article.
“Alcohol gels and hand sanitizers are not always effective against these viruses.”
A video demonstrating appropriate hand washing techniques with soap and running water can be seen on the NHS website.
The NHS article Norovirus (vomiting bug) also advises that
“Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels don’t kill norovirus.”
Norovirus Outbreaks Closes Wards At Two Hospitals »
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