Visitation on Unit 3 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) remains limited to immediate family only as patients continue experience gastrointestinal illness-like symptoms, says QEH Executive Director Rick Adams.
“We had hoped that this virus had run its course; however, over the weekend four new patients began experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal-like illness on Unit 3,” said Adams. “Laboratory results continue to be negative for common known viruses; however, we know that there are many viruses which can cause symptoms of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. While patients seem to be recovering within a few days, it is important for us to identify the source of this illness.”
Hospital officials have decided to continue to limit visitation on Unit 3 with the following precautions in place:
• Immediate family members only
• Only two (2) visitors at one time per patient (this includes children)
• Visits should be kept brief (15 minutes)
• Follow general visiting hours
The hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team, along with members of administration will be consulting with physicians from the QEII’s Infectious Disease Program in the coming days. “It is important for us reach out to experts in unique circumstances such as this to both reconfirm that we are taking appropriate measures and seek advice as to what additional steps we could be taking based on their experience in similar situations,” added Adams.
It remains extremely important that everyone coming to the hospital, including visitors and persons coming in for tests, x-rays or ambulatory procedures, clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility. Alcohol hand rinse stations are available throughout the building for this purpose.
The situation will be reassessed late Tuesday morning and officials will be providing a further update at that time.