Strict approach keeps health chiefs on top of vomit virus

A STRICT approach on dealing with a winter vomiting bug helped health chiefs keep on top of outbreaks and the impacts they have on wards, bosses have said.

Norovirus causes problems for patients and staff in hospitals across the Lothians, with around 67 outbreaks occurring this winter alone.

However, NHS Lothian's director of public health, Dr Alison McCallum, said managers moved quickly when the virus was detected, meaning infection levels were minimised and little disruption caused. It has also meant staff have been free to work elsewhere, rather than being in isolation to get rid of the infection.

She said: "In terms of norovirus we have a policy of early ward closure.

"The consequences of this have meant the spread and levels of infection of staff have been very, very low.

"To most people norovirus is just an inconvenience but to a more elderly and vulnerable group it can be a serious illness."