Expert Calls For Lessons To Be Learned From Latest Outbreak

Health authorities on the Isle of Wight have confirmed that six cases of norovirus have been identified at St Mary’s Hospital on the island.

In a statement issued last week, Isle of Wight NHS called on the public to assist its efforts to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, particularly through either the hospital or related nursing and residential homes.

They have also called on anyone visiting the hospital to adhere to strict hygiene guidelines and make use of hand gel and hand washing facilities. Parents have been told to not bring young children to visit patients in the hospital at present.

Elizabeth Tetzner, an illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, acts for victims who have suffered serious health problems as a result of being caught up in outbreaks of norovirus and other gastric illnesses while in the UK and abroad.

Commenting on this outbreak, she said: “A number of hospitals across the UK have been hit by norovirus in recent months, with many having to close wards in an effort to prevent the spread of the illness.

“It is absolutely vital that lessons are learned from the issues which have blighted so many hospitals recently and we hope that NHS trusts are able to use such information to prevent the problems from being repeated in the future.

“Having seen the serious consequences that illness outbreaks can have on many people, it is welcome that St Mary’s Hospital has taken clear steps to protect the public from the outbreak.”