Swine flu hits hospital as ward is forced to close
TWO outbreaks of contagious diseases have forced a hospital ward closure in East London. The ward at the Royal London in Whitechapel has been closed due to an outbreak of winter vomiting bug norvirus, hospital bosses confirmed today
By Gemma Collins and Victoria Huntley
TWO outbreaks of contagious diseases have forced a hospital ward closure in East London.
The ward at the Royal London in Whitechapel has been closed due to an outbreak of winter vomiting bug norvirus, hospital bosses confirmed today.
Three patients were also being treated for swine flu, said the hospital.
One ward was closed last Saturday due to the norovirus outbreak, while people suffering from swine flu are being treated on a different ward.
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CONFIRMED
A statement from Barts & the London NHS Trust said: “We can confirm that a ward is currently closed to new admissions due to a few patients having contracted norovirus.
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“The ward closure is a standard precautionary measure to prevent cross-infection.”
The statement added: “We can also confirm we are currently treating three patients who have been confirmed as having swine flu.”
The trust is anxious to stress that “every precaution has been taken to minimise the risk” of the virus spreading in the hospital.
An information line has been set up on 0800-1513 513. The hospital advises anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845-4647, or call their GP.
