Noro Virus found at Wisham care home

 CONCERN has been raised following a second suspected outbreak of norovirus in just a few months at a Wishaw care home.

The Wishaw Press has been made aware of a sickness and diarrhoea outbreak among both staff and residents at Netherton Court Care Home.

It is understood visitors to the home over the weekend were informed of the outbreak by posters on walls telling them to “enter at their own risk.”

A source told the Wishaw Press this week: “This is the second time in a matter of months that residents and staff within the home have been struck down by this sickness bug.

“Visitors are being told they can still come in to see relatives, but they should be aware that they are entering at their own risk.

“Many members of staff have been forced to call in sick and it is understood a number of agency workers have been drafted in to help.

“Relatives who have loved ones within the home are becoming very worried.”

Dev Fowdar, director of Thistle Healthcare who owns the Netherton Nursing Home, told the Wishaw Press: “We certainly had an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting and suspected norovirus within the Netherton home last week.

“As we always do, we immediately consulted with all necessary (agencies), including the NHS health board, care home inspectorate, social work department and relatives of residents to inform them of the situation.

“We must stress that norovirus is becoming increasingly common all over, in particular in the winter season.

“And as different strains occur, any immunity is usually short- lasting, so the same group of people can be affected more than once in a relatively short period of time.

“We also ask relatives not to come until the bug is clear, which is normally after 24 to 48 hours, and we make all necessary precautions to avoid the virus.

“We got the clearance from the NHS Trust we required and we will continue to closely monitor the situation from here.”

A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire added: “An outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at Netherton Court Care Home was promptly reported to NHS Lanarkshire’s Public Health team on November 21.

“The likely cause is one of the norovirus strains, although laboratory investigations are ongoing.

“The care home has followed standard procedures for the prevention, control and management of suspected norovirus and taken the necessary steps to minimise spread to patients and staff.

“If people have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, we would strongly advise them not to visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes and to stay away from work or school until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.”

The news of the outbreak at Netherton came the same week as Scotland’s care regulator urged people visiting their loved ones in care homes to continue to be vigilant against spreading infections, especially during the winter months.

The Care Inspectorate has warned care home visitors to take precautions in order to prevent the spread of infections and bugs during the winter, including infections such as norovirus that can be present in the community and can spread rapidly among residents, visitors and staff in care homes.

Margaret Tannahill, the Care Inspectorate’s Consultant Nurse for Infection Control, said: “During the winter months, the spread of certain infections and diseases can be a big challenge for those in care homes where many people are vulnerable to infection and this can also apply to visitors such as older people or young children.

“If you are visiting a family member or loved one in a care home, it’s vital that you remember that your actions can have a dramatic effect on their health and that of others if you do not take the necessary precautions.”

In order to limit the spread of infection, make sure your hands are clean, don’t visit if you are feeling unwell and speak to the care team if you have any concerns.