Bosses at a hospital in Glasgow have been forced to react to an outbreak of the Norovirus, leading to them shutting three of its wards.
The winter vomiting bug has been taking hold around the country in recent weeks and it seems to have affected Victoria Infirmary particularly strongly, with 13 patients showing symptoms of it, reports the Glasgow Evening Times.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde decided the safest option is to close three of the wards, all of which house medical patients. It is a drastic measure to take at the South Side hospital, but one that could result in the bug being eradicated relatively quickly and patients given the treatment they require.
Dr Pauline Wright, infection control doctor at the health board, said: "Norovirus is particularly prevalent during the winter and it is not unusual to see this type of virus in the community and also in healthcare settings.
"All appropriate infection control measures are in place and we are also urging any visitors who have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours not to visit the hospital."
With this in mind, it could be time for the hospital to ramp up cleaning procedures in a bid to ensure the infection does not spread any further. Using the latest cleaning products and training staff to apply them properly is a wise course of action.
Dr Wright added that it is vital people recognise the importance of hand hygiene when they arrive at and leave the hospital. This will hopefully ensure they do not contribute to the spread of the Norovirus.
She noted that alcohol gel hand wash has been made available at various points throughout the hospital, including all entrances and exits, to help this effort.
This might be just one of many strategies implemented as hospital chiefs aim to prevent the spread of the bug and have the wards reopened as soon as possible so that visitors are welcome once again.
