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Main ward reopens at Muswellbrook Hospital
Date: 27/10/2008
Hunter New England Health has reopened Muswellbrook Hospital’s main ward after it was isolated due to an outbreak of contagious gastroenteritis last week.
Hunter New England Health put strict infection control measures in place, by isolating the main ward on the first floor, to minimise the chances of the virus spreading further throughout the hospital and into the community.
Nursing and Midwifery Manager at Muswellbrook District Health Service, Wendy Hordern thanked the Muswellbrook community for their understanding during this period.
“Gastroenteritis is extremely contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person and indirect contact via contaminated surfaces,” Ms Horden said.
“We have now reopened the main ward to admitting patients as we have had no new cases of contagious gastroenteritis for the past 48 hours,” Ms Hordern said.
Gastroenteritis outbreaks occur throughout the year in the community, people can avoid infection and spreading of the virus by:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before hand before eating and handling food.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
- Dry your hands well after washing.
- Stay at home if you have contracted the virus.
Symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer.
People who have contracted gastroenteritis should rest and increase the amount of fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
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