Appeal to public after infection control measures put in place at Altnagelvin Hospital

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) has asked people who are feeling unwell not to visit patients at Altnagelvin Hospital after increased infection control measures were put in place at the building.

The increased infection control measures are due to a number of staff members and patients being tested and treated for the bacterial infection Streptococcus Group A at the hospital.

The infection is currently isolated to two ward areas and as a precautionary measure all elective (non-emergency) surgery in one ward has been put on hold for an initial 48 hours.

Infection prevention control measures, including cleaning in both areas, have also been enhanced.

Symptoms of the infection are a sore throat and minor skin condition.

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said: “It is a bacterium that is prevalent in the local community and in most cases can be effectively treated by a course of antibiotics.

“The Trust has robust infection prevention controls in place and anyone who presents with symptoms will be tested and will commence appropriate treatment.” “The Western Trust would appeal for the public to cooperate with standard infection control measures.

“Visitors to the hospital should adhere to the visiting policy, only two visitors per patient at any one time, wash their hands thoroughly before and after visiting.”

The spokesperson concluded: “Anyone feeling unwell or suffering a sore throat should avoid visiting the hospital.”