VIRAL OUTBREAK LEADS TO HOSPITAL WARD CLOSURE CLOSED

ealth bosses have shut down a ward at Macclesfield Hospital after an outbreak of a diarrhoea and vomiting virus.

The Langley Unit, formerly Ward 10, at the hospital was closed yesterday.

Macclesfield District General say the virus is spreading through the community and have asked residents not to attend with symptoms or if you have been in close contact with other sufferers.

Visiting restrictions have been put in place.

Relatives have been asked to call before attempting to visit patients on the ward.

Kath Senior, Director of Nursing, said: “The hospital has had to take the preventative action due to an outbreak of Diarrhoea and Vomiting.

“The virus spreads really quickly and we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure we contain the spread to other areas of the hospital for the protection of patients and staff. Please be vigilant if you are coming to the hospital for any reason at all.”

She said no clinics had been cancelled at this stage but the virus would have to be contained to prevent that action.

She added: “We will reopen the ward and closed bays as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Patients are asked not to attend the Emergency Department if suffering from any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting unless your doctor advises you to do.

Do not attend outpatient clinics or get inpatient treatment or visit relatives if you have had symptoms in the past 48 hours. If you have an appointment and have symptoms please contact the department concerned with your treatment before you come into hospital.

It is the second outbreak at the hospital recently. In November the Orthopaedics ward was closed.