The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is reporting a number of patients on Unit 1 – an orthopedic and medical nursing unit – are experiencing gastro-intestinal illness symptoms and that visitor restrictions have been put in place on the nursing unit.
“We are currently processing lab specimens from patients experiencing gastro-intestinal illness symptoms, specifically diarrhea, to determine the nature of the illness and if there is a common link between these patients,” said Dr. Rosemary Henderson, QEH Medical Director. “Patients experiencing gastro-intestinal illness symptoms are being placed on precautions and staff have heightened infection control measures. To ensure patient and public safety, visiting restrictions are being put in place on Unit 1 effective immediately.”
Effective immediately and for the next 24 hours, Unit 1 will be closed to all visitors. Staff will be contacting patient’s family members with more information.
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)
The situation will be reassessed tomorrow morning as more information is made available. Officials from the QEH will be providing a further update at that time.