Media Release

11 November 2008

There was one new case of gastroenteritis in Ward 1 (Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation) at Taranaki Base Hospital yesterday.

The ward will remain closed, which means only essential visitors will be allowed into the ward, no patients will be admitted to it and no patients will be transferred from the ward to rest homes or other hospitals, said Taranaki DHB Hospital Operations Manager Steve Berendsen.

In total seven patients in Ward 1 have fallen ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea since Saturday. Of the seven affected patients, one has been discharged home, and most of the remaining patients have settled.

Samples have been sent away to the laboratory and the results should be known within the next three days to determine the nature of the outbreak.

Hospital Operations Manager Steve Berendsen said that no surgeries had needed to be cancelled at this stage. “Staff across the whole hospital are working very hard to contain the illness,” said Mr Berendsen. “This is a difficult time but staff, patients and visitor’s cooperation was very much appreciated.”

Visitors with any questions can ring the hospital ( 06 753 6139) to talk to a Health Protection Officer for any information.

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph.021 367 789