Two of the three medical wards closed to admissions after a diarrhoea and vomiting bug outbreak at Hereford County Hospital were re-opened over the weekend – but another has since closed, and visiting remains suspended.
A hospital spokesman said: “Unfortunately, another ward had to be closed on Monday to prevent the further spread of diarrhoea and vomiting which is affecting some patients.
“An incident team continues to meet daily basis to manage the situation. At present, routine surgical admissions are unaffected.
“In order to reduce the likelihood of further ward closures, routine visiting to all the wards remains suspended.
“As before, birthing partners and relatives of severely or terminally ill people can still visit but should consult with the nurse in charge of the ward before going to see their relative”, he said.
Sue Hardy, director of nursing and quality at the hospital, said she was very sorry about the impact the visiting ban would have on patients, relatives and friends but that it remained necessary to protect all the services at the hospital.
“To ensure patients remained in contact with their relatives, the Trust would be organising free telephone cards for patients who do not have funds available while the wards continue to be closed.
Staff at the hospital were working hard to minimise the impact of the ward closures and ensure that measures in place will allow them to re-open shortly and visiting to restart.