Virus outbreak shuts Glasgow Hospital

A hospital is remaining closed to non-emergency admissions as medical staff tackle a viral infection which has hit 157 staff …

A hospital is remaining closed to non-emergency admissions as medical staff tackle a viral infection which has hit 157 staff and patients.

The spread of the "winter vomiting" virus at Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary follows an unrelated salmonella outbreak which killed three elderly patients.

Infection-control nurses and medics from the public health department are carrying out a further review of the outbreak.

A hospital spokesman said: "The infection control team will be meeting during the course of the day to assess the situation. At the moment, only emergency cases and walk-in patients attending accident and emergency are being admitted.

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"In the meantime, the Trust management are very much following the advice of the infection control team. What they recommend the Trust will follow."

So far, no one is seriously ill after contracting the virus, which has affected 43 staff. The hospital says no one is giving cause for concern.

The move to restrict admissions was announced by the hospital in a bid to contain the disease, which is easily spread from person to person. Most people recover within 48 hours, usually without treatment.

South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust has advised the ambulance service to transport all emergency patients to the city's Southern General Hospital unless a patient's condition is life-threatening.

The viral outbreak emerged on the same day it was disclosed three patients had died earlier in an unrelated outbreak of salmonella poisoning.

The hospital has set up a dedicated helpline for concerned relatives and visitors seeking information about the virus infection outbreak. It is 0800 7834 307.

PA