Norovirus update from Tauranga Hospital

Tauranga Hospital and staff advise that they are taking all possible measures to avoid the further spread of Norovirus, which is a highly contagious viral gastroenteritis. Norovirus spreads easily from person to person.

INFORMATION FOR HOSPITAL VISITORS:

Please do not visit Tauranga Hospital unless it is absolutely necessary. Although the hospital is still operating as usual, active precautions are being taken to prevent further spread of the virus. 

If visiting is absolutely necessary, please follow all hand hygiene advice and other precautions recommended by staff including visiting only one ward. Expect specific restrictions on the visiting of certain wards. Please do not visit patients on the wards if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms in the last 48 hours.

INFORMATION FOR THOSE WITH OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS:

You can still attend previously arranged appointments at the hospital if you have not had any Norovirus symptoms and have had no contact with anyone who has had symptoms.

If you have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours, please call the number on your appointment card and a new appointment time will be made for you.

SYMPTOMS:

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:

Stay home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Wash hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet, after changing a nappy and before handling food.

Clean hard surfaces, toys, bathrooms and utensils as they can become contaminated with the virus, which survives outside the body.

Wash dirty clothing in hot water and rinse separately from the rest of the laundry.

If symptoms last more than two days or you have difficulty keeping fluids down, contact your GP or contact Healthline toll-free on 0800 611 116 for advice.