Update: Another patient hit by KEMH bug

BHB confirms today that infection prevention measures are still in place in Gordon Ward due to the outbreak of gastroenteritis.  Individuals affected are recovering within 24 to 48 hours. One new patient case of gastroenteritis in Gordon Ward has occurred in the last 24 hours.

Gordon Ward continues under current strict precautions, including enhanced cleaning practices, visitor restrictions, and restrictions of new admissions and transfers.  All patients who are unwell are in isolation rooms and visitors and staff must put on disposable protective wear before entering, and dispose of it on leaving the room. It is recommended that current restrictions/interventions continue at least through Friday.

It is not unusual for hospitals around the world to experience outbreaks of this nature.  It is always important to respond swiftly to implement best practice infection control protocols to minimize the spread of any illness. BHB is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will update the community as the facts are known.

Latest facts:

·         A total of 16 patients have been impacted to date, eight of whom are no longer symptomatic. 

·         A total of 16 employees have been impacted to date, eleven of whom are no longer symptomatic.

·         Gastroenteritis can be caused by many different organisms, but samples to date have tested negative for many of the common causes. 

Preventing the spread of gastroenteritis:

·         Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, and especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and before handling food or eating.

·         If you are caring for, or visit, someone who has gastroenteritis, make sure the individual washes his or her hands with soap and water, and that you wash your hands with soap and water after any patient contact.

·         If you are caring for someone who is ill, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach cleaner.  Remove and wash soiled linens.  Use hot water and soap.

·         Do not prepare food if you have symptoms.  Wait three days after you have recovered before handling food again.

Gordon Ward continues under the current strict precautions including enhanced cleaning practices, visitor restrictions, and restrictions of new admissions and transfers.   All patients who are unwell are in isolation rooms and visitors and staff must put on disposable protective wear before entering, and dispose of it on leaving the room. It is recommended that current restrictions/interventions continue at least through Friday.

It is not unusual for hospitals around the world to experience outbreaks of this nature.  It is always important to respond swiftly to implement best practice infection control protocols to minimize the spread of any illness. BHB is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will update the community as the facts are known.

Latest facts:

·      A total of 15 patients have been impacted to date, seven of whom are no longer symptomatic. 

·      A total of 14 employees have been impacted to date,eight of whom are no longer symptomatic.

·      Gastroenteritis can be caused by many different organisms, but samples to date have tested negative for many of the common causes. 

Preventing the spread of gastroenteritis:

·      Wash your hands thoroughly and regularlywith soap and water, and especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and before handling food or eating.

·      If you are caring for, or visit, someone who has gastroenteritis, make sure the individual washes his or her hands with soap and water, and that you wash your hands with soap and water after any patient contact.

·      If you are caring for someone who is ill, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach cleaner.  Remove and wash soiled linens.  Use hot water and soap.

·      Do not prepare food if you have symptoms.  Wait three days after you have recovered before handling food again.