One ward has re-opened but another remains closed at Bedford Hospital, following an outbreak of the vomiting and diarrhoea bug norovirus.

Pilgrim Ward remains closed to help stop the potential spread of infection among patients, visitors and members of staff and is being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

A number of patients have showed symptoms, but the ward will be re-opened if they are found not to have the virus, or once there has been no confirmed norovirus symptoms displayed for 72 hours. The ward will be high cleaned before being re-opened.

Whitbread Ward was re-opened during the weekend and Godber Ward is set to re-open on Monday afternoon, following a high clean.

Visiting currently remains restricted to essential visiting only across the hospital, including the Cygnet Wing.
Anyone visiting the hospital is advised to telephone ahead to check with ward staff, and not to come in if the visit is not essential.

Patients with outpatient or elective (planned) appointments should still keep their appointment at the hospital, unless told otherwise.

Colin Ovington, director of nursing and infection prevention and control, said: "Norovirus is very easily spread from person-to-person, and those with the infection can be symptom-free but still contagious.

"It is very difficult to contain and prevent norovirus; however, we are doing our utmost to stop the bug spreading by taking immediate action to close wards if patients show any symptoms of norovirus.

"If you do need to visit the hospital, please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before entering and when leaving the ward. Alcohol gel does not kill norovirus spores -soap and water will.

"Please do not sit on hospital beds when visiting and do not come in if you have been ill within the preceding 72 hours. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Norovirus is easily passed through person-to-person contact, unwashed hands touching bed linen or other clothing and through spores carried in the air."

For more information please see the hospital's website www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk