Wednesday, 22 February 2012
A major problem at the moment is a high prevalence of Norovirus (vomiting and diarrohea) in the community in Swansea and the rest of South Wales, which is spreading into hospitals.
As a result, when Norovirus enters a hospital, we close affected wards to try and stop the virus spreading to other parts of the hospital. We act swiftly when this happens, as we don’t want patients who are already poorly to catch Norovirus. Norovirus is generally not serious, although very unpleasant, but it is infectious, so we isolate affected wards to limit the spread.
When a ward is closed, it means that no new patients can be admitted to any empty beds in the ward, and patients who are there cannot be transferred out of the ward, unless they are well enough to go home.
Ward closures, unfortunately, also mean that the number of beds available is reduced, which has the knock-on effect of delays to patients being admitted into hospital. Morriston is bearing the brunt of this at the moment in Swansea, with a number of its wards closed due to Norovirus.
We apologise for any delays which patients may experience. We are doing all we can to minimise disruption.
To find our more about Norovirus, go to our Norovirus page.
