Drastic action to control outbreak

Drastic measures have been put in place at Palmerston North Hospital to control the latest norovirus outbreak in its third week.

All visits to adult patients are banned as MidCentral Health tries to prevent the virus spreading.

The latest outbreak of the highly contagious tummy bug, which causes violent vomiting and diarrhoea became apparent on June 7.

Thirty-six patients and 23 staff either have or are recovering from gastroenteritis.

Family and friends can still visit seriously ill patients and people in ICU, Child Health and Women's Health wards.

Only immediate relatives or next-of-kin can accompany patients in the Emergency Department.

Visitors must only use the main entrance on Ruahine St.Urgent and acute surgery will continue. However, some non-acute surgery was postponed.

There are no restrictions to patients going to the Emergency Department or hospital clinic appointments.

Hand washing is a simple way of preventing illnesses, including norovirus and swine flu, spreading through the community, MidCentral Health spokesman Dennis Geddis said.

- © Fairfax NZ News