Norovirus is the most common cause of gut infection in the UK. It is much more common than other well-known gut infections such as salmonella.
There are probably about 600,000 to 1 million cases of the disease every year. It causes disease only in humans. There is usually a peak of infection in the winter. In the past Noroviruses have been called “winter vomiting viruses”, “small round structured viruses” and “Norwalk-like viruses”
What precautions are taken at The Lister Hospital to prevent norovirus?
Clinical staff at The Lister Hospital will take additional precautions when caring for you i.e. use of gloves and aprons. Good hand washing with soap and water is the key to preventing the spread of norovirus. Hands are always washed before handling food and after visiting the toilet. Anyone with diarrhoea must not prepare or handle food for others.
We have never had any reported cases of norovirus in our patients at The Lister Hospital. Factors which contribute to our high quality record include:
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Individual rooms with private en suite facilities for almost all patients before and after any treatment or operation, unless the specialist resources of high dependency or intensive care are necessary
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High nurse to patient ratios, increasing the time available for individual attention and ensuring the highest quality of care and hygiene.
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On-site cleaning staff who work to high specifications of hygiene and cleanliness, available 24 hours every day to respond to any need that may arise.
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A rapid and comprehensive room cleaning regime between the discharge of one patient and the admission of the next.
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