Hospital in new plea to winter vomiting disease victims

STAFF at Rotherham Hospital say that they have a norovirus outbreak under control, but have renewed appeals for those with symptoms to avoid A&E.

A hospital spokeswoman insisted that staff are tackling the problem through “sound infection control practice”—she was unable to say how many patients had contracted ‘winter vomiting disease’ so far.

She added: “We’re still getting some people from the community coming into A&E with norovirus symptoms. That’s not the best way to deal with this problem.

“Obviously we don’t want to discourage people from coming in altogether, but we do encourage people to use the NHS Direct service first.”

The hospital is still advising anyone with symptoms including diarrhoea or vomiting to stay at home to avoid spreading the unpleasant but short-lived virus to vulnerable patients or neighbours.

Those with symptoms can find the NHS Direct symptom checker by accessing www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect through their web browser or web-enabled mobile phone.

Anyone with symptoms persisting for more than 48 hours, who is elderly or who is made particularly vulnerable by a long-term condition should contact their doctor or take further advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.