The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is reporting that fewer patients are experiencing gastrointestinal illness-like symptoms on Unit 1; however, visitor restrictions will remain in place on the unit for an additional 48 hours, announced Dr. Rosemary Henderson, QEH Medical Director.
“We are pleased that we have had no new patients experiencing gastrointestinal illness symptoms in the last 24 hours,” said Henderson. “While lab results received to date have all tested negative for common viruses which cause gastrointestinal illness symptoms, such as the ones our patients were experiencing, we have determined that it is necessary to maintain the visitor restrictions currently in place as per infection control recommendations.”
Unit 1 remains closed to visitors until Thursday morning, pending further reassessment. “Our priority is ensuring patient and staff safety which is why it is important that we are certain patients are no longer exhibiting symptoms before taking them off precautions and reopening the unit to visitors,” added Henderson.
It is 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.
Visitors to other nursing units at QEH are reminded that:
• General visiting hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Only two (2) visitors at a time per patient (this includes children)
• Children under the age of 12 are to be accompanied by an adult (other than the patient)
Officials from the QEH will be providing a further update Thursday morning.