Menu
19/11/2004
Infectious stomach bug strikes Ulster Hospital
Around 70 people have been affected by an infectious stomach bug at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.
The norovirus, or Norwalk-like virus, affects up to one million people in the UK each, and was first diagnosed at the hospital on Thursday.
Dr Jim McFarland, Medical Director with the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, said hospital staff were hopeful of being able to contain the outbreak which has affected around 40 patients and 30 staff.
"This is an increasingly common virus which probably emerged about two or three years ago it has been seen on cruise ships as well as in hospitals and this is something I'm rather afraid that hospitals are prone to today,” Dr McFarland said.
"It is an infrequent occurrence and one we hope we will be able to contain.”
Dr McFarland said measures have been taken to stop the virus spreading, with a number of infection controls being put in place.
He said the virus was being brought into hospitals from the outside community.
(MB/SP)
The norovirus, or Norwalk-like virus, affects up to one million people in the UK each, and was first diagnosed at the hospital on Thursday.
Dr Jim McFarland, Medical Director with the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, said hospital staff were hopeful of being able to contain the outbreak which has affected around 40 patients and 30 staff.
"This is an increasingly common virus which probably emerged about two or three years ago it has been seen on cruise ships as well as in hospitals and this is something I'm rather afraid that hospitals are prone to today,” Dr McFarland said.
"It is an infrequent occurrence and one we hope we will be able to contain.”
Dr McFarland said measures have been taken to stop the virus spreading, with a number of infection controls being put in place.
He said the virus was being brought into hospitals from the outside community.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 January 2002
Virus closes hospital beds across province
Hospitals in Northern Ireland are struggling to deal with the effects of a common virus which has left people waiting on trollies for beds and caused a severe backlog in surgery. The virus, which affects patients and staff, comes as hospitals throughout the province struggle to cope with an increased number of patients because of winter illnesses.
Virus closes hospital beds across province
Hospitals in Northern Ireland are struggling to deal with the effects of a common virus which has left people waiting on trollies for beds and caused a severe backlog in surgery. The virus, which affects patients and staff, comes as hospitals throughout the province struggle to cope with an increased number of patients because of winter illnesses.
09 June 2023
Hospital Births To Be Consolidated At Antrim Hospital
The Department of Health has approved plans to consolidate hospital births at Antrim Hospital, following a recommendation from the the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Hospital Births To Be Consolidated At Antrim Hospital
The Department of Health has approved plans to consolidate hospital births at Antrim Hospital, following a recommendation from the the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
24 January 2020
Man Tested For Suspected Coronavirus In Belfast
A Belfast patient is receiving treatment for symptoms associated with coronavirus. The man is undergoing tests at the Royal Victoria Hospital amid suspicion he is infected with the potentially fatal virus. It's understood the treatment is a precautionary measure.
Man Tested For Suspected Coronavirus In Belfast
A Belfast patient is receiving treatment for symptoms associated with coronavirus. The man is undergoing tests at the Royal Victoria Hospital amid suspicion he is infected with the potentially fatal virus. It's understood the treatment is a precautionary measure.
14 December 2018
Call For Support Package For Families Affected By Muckamore Abbey Hospital
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said the Department of Health and Belfast Trust should compile a package of support to be offered to the families of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, pending the outcome of a police investigation into allegations of mistreatment.
Call For Support Package For Families Affected By Muckamore Abbey Hospital
Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said the Department of Health and Belfast Trust should compile a package of support to be offered to the families of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, pending the outcome of a police investigation into allegations of mistreatment.
14 September 2016
Cases Of Zika Virus Confirmed In NI
Less than five people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus in Northern Ireland since 2015, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA). The cases had a history of travel to Zika-affected areas. The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos.
Cases Of Zika Virus Confirmed In NI
Less than five people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus in Northern Ireland since 2015, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA). The cases had a history of travel to Zika-affected areas. The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
