There is an increase in cases of norovirus across the East of England. Whilst we are not seeing a significant increase in cases at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) at present, we would urge visitors and patients to be vigilant, and take the following precautions when visiting any of our clinics/departments/hospital sites at The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Harlow), Herts and Essex Community Hospital (Bishop’s Stortford) and St Margaret’s Hospital (Epping). This will also help to protect our patients and visitors against other viruses that are circulating such as flu:
- Please do not visit any of the hospital sites if you have had symptoms, or been in contact with anyone that has, of norovirus (diarrhoea/vomiting) in the past 48 hours.
- When visiting any of the hospital sites, please take care to wash your hands with soap and water before arriving and on departure.
- If you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water, please use the hand gel dispensers when you arrive/depart from the hospital site; and on entry/exit to any of the wards/clinical areas.
- Please wear a surgical face mask (available at the main entrance to the hospital) if you are able to tolerate one.