BOSSES at the Countess of Chester Hospital are continuing to urge people not to attend their Accident and Emergency department if they are suffering from the symptoms of norovirus.
Despite hospitals up and down the country having to close wards during December as a result of the virus, the Countess has not yet been forced to close its doors to visitors.
The winter vomiting bug is currently circulating within the area with people developing vomiting and diarrhoea, but the Countess’ appeal for people suffering from the symptoms to stay away from the hospital has helped reduce the impact of the bug and the spread of infection.
Hospital spokesman, Andrew Duggan, said: “Despite the Countess not having to close its doors to visitors so far, the Trust is continuing to ask for the public’s support in avoiding the spread of infection by not visiting the hospital with norovirus symptoms.
“Please do not visit the hospital if you are unwell with norovirus symptoms – or have been within the last 48 hours – or have been in contact with somebody who is unwell.”
Anyone suffering from the bug is advised to stay at home and not visit their GP, drink plenty of water, eat easily digestable foods and take paracetamol for aches and pains.
Mr Duggan added: “In addition, in order to limit the impact of norovirus within the hospital, we are requesting that visitors adhere to the visiting standards set by the Trust by making sure no more than a total of two people visit their relative or friend within the set visiting hours.”