Vomiting bug shuts more hospital wards

Feb 4 2010 by John Williams, North Wales Weekly News

A WINTER vomiting and diarrhoea bug has hit five hospital wards across the region – with a further two wards shut because of a water leak.

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd has been the worst hit with five patients with suspected norovirus over two wards, restricting admissions to the affected areas.

The hospital in Bodelwyddan was also forced to close two wards because of a burst pipe and repairs are now taking place.

Pressures on hospital beds saw new admissions temporarily diverted to alternative hospitals.

With norovirus cases present in the local community hospital chiefs have renewed the appeal for anyone who suspects they have the bug not to go to hospitals as a visitor and to give prior warning if arriving as a patient.

Andy Scotson, spokesman for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We have cases coming into hospital so the virus must be doing the rounds at the moment in the community.

“It has put pressure on beds, particularly at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where they also had two wards closed because of a burst pipe following the recent cold weather.

“The pressures temporarily saw some admissions diverted to other hospitals with more space although this pressure has now eased.”

There have also been suspected cases at Llandudno General Hospital and six cases at Denbigh hospital.

There were now no cases at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, which had been badly affected by more than 80 cases over Christmas.

A spokesman said: “With norovirus present in our local communities, and so easily transmitted from person to person, it is only to be expected that we will continue to admit patients who are carrying the illness.”