Glangwili closed to visitors following confirmed cases of norovirus

DUE to confirmed cases of norovirus (winter vomiting bug) and flu, the decision has been made to close Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen to visitors with immediate effect.

We thank everyone for your understanding at this time while we work to prevent the spread of this winter illness. Visiting will only be permitted in extenuating circumstances, please contact the ward directly.

If you have an appointment and you have experienced the symptoms of an infectious illness such diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or symptoms of flu in the past 48 hours please contact us to see if your appointment is urgent, or if it can be rescheduled until you are feeling better.

When visiting our hospitals please wash your hands as often as possible using soap and water and hand sanitiser.

The situation is being monitored at regular intervals and a further update will be made when visitor restrictions are lifted.

Sharon Daniel, Assistant Director of Nursing for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “I’d like to reassure visitors that a number of Norovirus cases have been diagnosed and appropriate infection control measures are in place to reduce the risk of infection.

“Unfortunately, at this time of the year, winter illnesses such as Norovirus and flu do become more commonplace and it’s important for anyone experiencing these symptoms to follow simple hygiene advice. This includes washing and drying your hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet and before you handle food, to prevent infections from being passed on to others.

“If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there’s usually no need to visit your GP; you should just rest at home until you feel better, while keeping warm, drinking plenty of water and taking painkillers if necessary. You can also help stop the spread of infections by avoiding unnecessary contact with other people while you’re infectious.”

Flu can be serious and vaccination is the best way to protect against catching or spreading it. You are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination from your GP or pharmacist if you:

have a long term health condition such as asthma or are immune suppressed due to illness or treatments
are aged over 65
pregnant
are a child aged 2 to 10 years old on 31 August 2019 (given in primary school or from a GP by nasal spray)
are an unpaid carer of someone whose health or welfare would be at risk if you caught flu
work in the NHS, an adult care home or in a children’s hospice
If you are not eligible for a free flu jab you can still protect yourself and your family by getting a vaccine from a local pharmacy for around £10. If you work in the NHS, an adult care home or in a children’s hospice you will need to take proof of your employment when you go for your vaccination.

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